01. Introducing an E-License System to the Import and Export Control Department
The number of licenses issued by the Import and Export Control Department in a year is approximately
17,000. This process is mostly done with human intervention and minimal use of technology. In order to
minimize human intervention and make this process more efficient, it has been found necessary to
introduce Information Technology in the process. It is planned to ensure transparency and efficiency by
systematizing the licensing process with the participation of regulatory agencies such as Sri Lanka
Customs, Excise Department, Department of Motor Traffic, Sri Lanka Board of Investment, National
Medicines Regulatory Authority and Sri Lanka Standards Institution. The Export Control and Border
Security Program operating under the United States Embassy has agreed to provide the Information
Technology Program ‘STRATLINK’ worth US$ 280,000 along with the complete source code to the
Department of Import and Export Control as a donation. Accordingly the Cabinet of Ministers approved
the proposal presented by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability
and National Policies to implement promptly the E-license Program in the Import and Export Control
Department.
02 South Asian Logistics Hub Program
Colombo Port is the largest port in Sri Lanka as well as the main hub port in the South Asian region. One
of the primary strategic objectives of the Port Authority's National Port Master Plan is to turn Colombo
Port into a service supply hub. Battenberg and Blumendal service delivery areas belonging to Colombo
South Port, have been identified as areas that can be developed under public private partnership. The
Colombo International Container Terminals Company has submitted a proposal to implement the first
phase of the proposed project with an investment of US$ 150 million and the proposal has been evaluated
by a cabinet appointed negotiation committee. Accordingly the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal
presented by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to implement the proposed project as a public
private partnership project between the China Merchant Port Company, Colombo International Container
Terminals Company and Sri Lanka Ports Authority based on the recommendations of the said cabinet
appointed negotiation committee.
03. Proclamation of Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Day
The Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act no 04 of 2015 was introduced to
establish a formal mechanism for the recognition and promotion of the rights and entitlements of victims
and witnesses of crime. The National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses is
established accordingly. The number of people including women and children who are victims of crime in
Sri Lanka is increasing day by day and it has been identified that it is appropriate to announce a ‘Assistance
to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Day’ with the intention of informing the society about
the protection of victims and witnesses of a crime and sensitizing the relevant government institutions and
officials. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Justice,
Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms to declare March 7, the date of enactment of the Assistance to
and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act no 04 of 2015, as the " Assistance to and Protection
of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Day".
04. Revision of Air Navigation Fees for international flights flying over the Colombo Flight Information
Region
Air Navigation Fee relating to international flights flying over the Colombo Flight Information Region is
levied by the Airports and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka ) (Private) Limited and has not been revised since
1985. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Ports,
Shipping and Aviation Services to revise the Air Navigation Fees for international flights flying over the
Colombo Flight Information Region with effect from 01.02.2023.
05. Procurement for supplying 800,000 pre-filled 0.4ml syringes of Enoxaparin Sodium 4,000 IU
Limited international bids have been invited from Indian manufacturers and suppliers for the purchase of
800,000 dozes of Enoxaparin Sodium syringes used for treatment to heart patients while 4 bids have been
forwarded in the regard. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the
Minister of Health to award the said procurement to M/s Brawn Laboratories Ltd. subject to the
recommendations of the procurement appeals board and the standing procurement committee appointed by
the Cabinet of Ministers.
06. Introduction of a Parliamentary Act to administer and perform activities of the Office for National
Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR)
The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) has been established with the objective of
availing co – opportunities in the economic, social, cultural, and political sectors, securing the identity as
well as creating a society that respects and recognizes the diversity and a society in which all communities
can live with harmony and cooperation. Considering the powers vested with this office, it has been
recognized that a permanent establishment for this office is appropriate to extend its monitoring activities
as well as be initiated by an act. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by
the Minister of Justice, Prison Activities and Constitutional Reforms to direct the Legal Draftsman to draft
a bill in the connection.
07. Accord between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
to prevent double taxation on the income and prevent evasion of taxes.
Agreement has been made for the accord between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to prevent double taxation on the income and prevent evasion of taxes at officer
level. The Attorney General has confirmed that the accord has been completed as per section 75 (3) of the
Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has agreed to sign the relevant
accord. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Hon. President as
the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to sign the said accord at diplomatic
level, and to submit the same to the Parliament for the approval of the said accord as per the provisions of
section 75 (1) of Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017.
08. Resolving issues in relation to the forests under the purview of the Departments of Forest
Conservation and Wildlife Conservation
Although the issues of the people residing or engaged in agricultural activities within the forests under the
control / purview of the Departments of Forest Conservation and Wildlife Conservation for a long time is
being discussed since years, no permanent solution has been given in relation to their issues. A programme
with precise dates and times have been prepared under the instructions of the Hon. President with the
objective of providing solutions soon for the said issues. The relevant issues are similar and coherent to
almost all the districts in Sri Lanka while it is expected to implement this programme at the preliminary
stage in the districts of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mullathivu, Killinochchi, Mannar, Trincomalee, Batticaloa,
Ampara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Monaragala where forests are abundant and conflict occurred.
Accordingly, concurrence of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted to the said programme forwarded by the
Minister of Wild Life and Forest Resources Conservation.
