Implementation of Mangrove Conservation Projects with financial grants from CBCPI
The Commonwealth Blue Charter Project Incubator (CBCPI) has invited project proposals from Commonwealth countries for mangrove conservation grants in 2023. The CBCPI has selected two project proposals submitted by Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the institute has decided to give grants for the project to calculate the basic carbon sample of mangroves in Sri Lanka and the project to study on early migrants in mangrove restoration and map the mangrove and seagrass intertidal zone with the help of satellite and drone technology. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister to implement the said projects by the Department of Wild life Conservation and the Department Conservation under the supervision of the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation and, to enter into the relevant agreements.
Land in Rajagiriya re-leased to Sri Lanka College of Physiologists for a further 50 years
A 30 perches block of land in Welikada, Rajagiriya, owned by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), has been allocated to the Sri Lanka Institute of Physiologists for a period of 30 years on a concessional lease basis with effect from May 13, 1999 for the construction of a building for research purposes. The main building built in that land is currently in need of repair, so a significant financial investment has to be made for it. Taking these facts into consideration, the Sri Lanka Institute of Physiologists has submitted a request to allocate the land above mentioned again on long term lease basis. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Acting Minister of Urban Development and to allocate the relevant land to the Sri Lanka College of Physiologists for a period of 50 years on the basis of collecting an annual rent determined by the government assessor.
Extending duration of Gandara fishing port construction project and revising estimate
Approval has been granted in the Cabinet meeting held on 07.07.2019 for the construction of fishing harbour at the existing Gandara fish landing site. The project was scheduled to be completed by December 2023, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, the construction of the project has not been completed as expected. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal made by the Fisheries Minister to extend the period from December 2023 to December 2026 and to revise the total cost estimate based on price variations so that all the works including land construction related to the project can be completed.
Celebrating 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka UNESCO Partnership
The Sri Lanka-UNESCO partnership completes 75 years this year. The Sri Lanka UNESCO National Commission, the Education Ministry and other ministries and institutions have jointly planned to implement a number of programmes to celebrate the anniversary. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Education Minister to celebrate the 75th anniversary on July 16, 2024 at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre with the objectives of celebrating 75 years of UNESCO partnership and achievements, promoting tourism by informing the local and international community about the heritage listed by UNESCO in Sri Lanka and further improving the existing understanding between the two parties.
Amendment of National Innovation Agency Act No. 22 of 2019
The National Innovation Agency established in 2022 is engaged in preparing National policies and providing on social, scientific and technological, security, environmental and services innovation recommendations.
In par with the concurrent requirements, and as per the National Innovation Agency Act No. 22 of 2019, the requirement of introducing several revisions to the said Act has been recognised in order to accomplish the objectives of the institution. Following which, the Cabinet approved the resolution furnished by the Education Minister to instruct the Legal Draftsmen to prepare a bill to amend the said Act.
Monitoring and maintenance of Thambapawani wind power electricity Plant
Cabinet sanctions selection of an appropriate service provider:
The total commercial monitoring activities of Thambapawani wind power electricity plant belong to Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was inaugurated from May 18, 2021. CEB has entered into an agreement with Vestas Wind Lanka (Pvt.) Limited for bearing responsibilities, and performing monitoring and maintenance services for three (03) years and its contract period ends on May 17, 2024. Therefore, a new service provider should be selected for those activities. Accordingly, the Cabinet granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Minister of Electricity, Power and Energy, to select an appropriate service provider following the competitive procurement methodology.
Cabinet grants approval for Geo gas terminal at Kerawalapitiya with twin fuel capacity
Geo gas terminal project at Kerawalapitiya comprised of internal burner engines of 200 Megawatt with twin fuel capacity is a project recognised by the long term electricity generating plan 2023 – 2042 approved by Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission. The block of land adjoining the Sobadanavi Company Limited in Kerawalapitiya has been allocated for this project and this plant is expected to be executed/developed under build–owning rights– operation–transfer (BOOT) basis for 20 years as an independent power generator.
Whereas, the Cabinet granted approval to the proposal furnished by the Electricity, Power and Energy Minister, to recognise an appropriate investor following the competitive procurement process for the above purpose.
Awarding of long time contract for procurement of four (04), shipments of diesel
Quotations have been invited from registered suppliers for the long time contract for procurement of four (04) shipments of diesel (0.05%M.S.) from August 01, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
Accordingly, subsequent to evaluation of bids received, the Cabinet granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Electricity, Power and Energy Minister, to award the contract of supplying 04 shipments of 280,000 +/- 5 % of diesel (0.05% M. S.) to M/s Zhongxi Energy Development (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., China during the period specified, based on recommendations given by the Special Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet.
Completion of remaining construction-work of Sri Lanka Police
Although a number of construction projects have been inaugurated implementation with the objective of providing infrastructure facilities to Sri Lanka Police, the following projects planned to be completed during 2021 – 2023 could not be completed due to Covid – 19 pandemic situations in 2020 and the economic crisis that followed soon after:
• Project to construct family/married personnel official quarters at Kumaran Ratnam Road, Colombo 02.
• Project to construct residential building of Katana National Police Academy.
• Project to complete remaining work of Kollupitiya Police Station.
The Cabinet approved the proposal furnished by the Public Security Minister to amend total cost estimation of those projects so that remaining work of those projects can be completed and to extend of project winding-up period to 2024 – 2027.
