Cabinet Decisions

Prohibiting use of state property for political promotions during elections

The Cabinet approved a proposal by President Maithripala Sirisena to submit the Election Commission Gazette No. 2048/2 of December 4, 2017, which prohibited the use of state property for political promotions work during the election period.

The gazette formulated by the election commission under section 104 B (4) subsection A of the Constitution, prohibits the use of movable or immovable state property to promote a political party or group of candidates or to cause an injustice to those parties or obstruction to a free and fair election.

 

Restriction of unauthorised use of railway reservation lands

The Cabinet also took a decision to take action against the unauthorised use of railway reservation lands. The total extent of railway reserves was about 1,4000 acres.

Of these lands, around 10 percent has been leased out to various parties, while 80 percent of the balance land was under unauthorised use.

The ordinary public was among the majority of encroaches, while certain present and retried employees were also among the unauthorised occupants.

 

Implementing Customs duty concessions fourth round under APTA

The Cabinet approved a proposal by Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera, to issue and order under Revenue Protection Act No. 19 of 1962, to implement the fourth round of Customs duty concessions under the Asia–Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and submit it for Parliamentary approval.

 

Establishment of think tank forum for fisheries sector

The Cabinet approved a proposal by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, to Establish a think tank forum for the progress of the fisheries sector, The forum would include economists, environmentalists, lawyers, marine engineers, Naval and wave architects, social serenlists representatives of the fisheries and tourists industries, and fishermen.

The forum is expected to formulate a policy for sustainable use and management of Sri Lankan marine resources towards achieving economic development.

 

Requesting CGPCS to establish marine operations secretariat in Sri Lanka

The Cabinet also approved a proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity of Defence Minister, to request the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS), to establish its marine operations secretariat in Sri Lanka.

Construction of additional lane on entrance, exit of Ja-Ela interchange

The Cabinet approved a proposal by Higher Education and Highways Minister Lakshman Kiriella, to construct an additional lane on the entrance and exit at the Ja-Ela interchange of the Colombo Katunayake Highway, in order to expedite manual toll collection. Although electronic toll collection has been introduced at the interchange, more motorists have preferred manual toll collection, causing a heavy rush at the manual toll collection gate. An additional lane would help ease the congestion.

 

Introducing legislation to de-mutualise Colombo Stock Exchange

The Cabinet also approved a proposal made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity of National Policy and Economic Affairs Minister, to introduce legislation towards the de-mutualisation of the Colombo Stock Exchange.

The Colombo Stock Exchange, established in 1985 as a non-profit limited liability company, is the main stock exchange in South Asia which functions as a collective stock exchange. It should be established as a de-mutualised stock exchange or a profit-earning company in order to ensure proper control and promote ownership for diversified stocks.