Project to attract tourist to Sigiriya

Minister the of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa AbeywardanaCabinet granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister the of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana to initiate a project to illuminate Sigiriya Rock during the night hours and to put up a light show initially on Fridays and Saturdays.

The project will be implemented utilizing foreign funds which are to be arranged through the Department of External Resources after obtaining necessary approval from the relevant institutions.
Sigiriya is the highest income earning site under the Central Cultural Fund due to its magnificent cultural, historical and archaeological value. The Government of Japan has provided enormous facilities to develop this World Heritage Site.

Even though a large number of local and foreign tourists visit Sigiriya, only a small percentage of tourists spend the night in this area because there is nothing to attract them in the evening to persuade them to stay for multiple nights in the area, it was pointed out in the memorandum.

Amendments to Labour Ordinance act

Cabinet granted approval to a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Labour Relations and Manpower, Athauda Seneviratne to amend the Wages Boards Ordinance, No. 27 of 1941, to incorporate provisions relating to "Contract Labour" and to refer the proposed amendment to the Legal Draftsman to draft amends to the Ordinance.

These amendments are proposed in such a way to protect the rights of labour and also to safeguard the employers in their business dealings. The direction of the Commissioner of Labour, or in appeal the Order of the Special Employment Relations Tribunal will play a key role to safeguard the rights of Labour under the amendments.

With the expansion of export trade, the employers in Sri Lanka had to compete with other producers for their export products across the boarders with or without tariff concessions in importing countries. Encountering the competitions, certain employers have resorted to employment of workmen on contract Labour which is now gradually increasing.


Formulation of a common policy to address grievances related to Railway lands

Cabinet granted approval to a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Transport, Dallus Alahapperuma to formulate a common policy acceptable to solve the existing problems related to unauthorized residency in lands solely owned by the Railway Department.

The Department of Railways leases out lands owned by the Department that are not used for railway operational purposes. It has been identified that apart from the ordinary people the workers of the Railway Department are themselves resident in lands owned by the Department without the having obtained permission.

A total of 2300 acres is under occupation by unauthorized parties, it has been found.

Galle Season 2008 – to boost cultural and historical values of Galle

Cabinet granted approval to a joint memorandum submitted by the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs, Karu Jayasuriya and the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Mahinda Yapa Abewardana seeking the assistance of the line Ministries and Departments to in holding the 'Galle Season 2008' mega festival.

The festival will be held from 23rd until 27th December and is expected to give a boost to the historical and cultural aspects of the Galle district.

Anusha Palpita
Director of Government Information