Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Felix PereraCabinet granted approval to a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Felix Perera, to set up a data base and a system of proper identity for people engaged in fishing.

In this regard it has been observed that there are approximately 250,000 fishers scattered throughout the coastal areas in Sri Lanka who face numerous hardships due to security restrictions as well as problems when approaching international waters.

A central data base also has the advantage when it comes to formulating policy for the development of the industry as well as distribution of subsidies, it was noted.

2009 to be Year of English and IT Services

Cabinet granted approval to a memorandum submitted jointly by the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs, Karu Jayasuriya (who is also the Chairman, Cabinet Sub-Committee on Human Resource Development) and the Minister of Science and Technology, Tissa Vitharana (a member of the above committee) to declare the year 2009 as 'The Year of English and IT Services".

The ministers concerned have pointed out that such a step would boost the recently appointed Presidential Task Force on English and IT and further strengthen Sri Lanka's position as an emerging off-shoring destination for IT and BPO services.

Pension of Ex-Commanders of the Tri Services promoted after retirement to be revised

Cabinet granted approval to a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as Minister of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order, to revise the pension of Ex-Commanders of the Tri Services in recognition of and as a mark of gratitude for dedicated services rendered to the nation in safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the motherland.This revision will take into consideration the pension rights entitled to the relevant ranks they were promoted to subsequent to retirement.

Accordingly, Lt.General J.E.D. Perera has been promoted to the rank of General, Lt. General P.D.P.N.Seneviratne promoted to the rank of General, Rear Admiral D.B. Gunasekera promoted to the rank of Admiral, Rear Admiral A.W.H. Perera promoted to the rank of Admiral, Air Vice Marshal P.H. Mendis promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal, Air Vice Marshal W.D.H.S.W. Gunatileke promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal, Air Vice Marshal D.C. Perera promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal O.M. Ranasinghe promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal and Air Marshal J. Weerakkody promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal with effects from october 1st of 2007.

Anusha Palpita
Director of Government Information