1. Establishment of a National Development Committee to evaluate new development
projects/programs
It has been found that some of the development projects/ programs implemented in the past have
not been able to achieve the desired results due to the initiation of such projects/ programs
without proper identification and formal evaluation. Therefore, in the presentation of the budget
for the year 2023 the Hon. President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, presented a
proposal for the formation of a National Development Committee for the evaluation process of
new government projects. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented
by the Hon. President to appoint a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Daya Liyanage, a
former Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, to provide recommendations to the Cabinet regarding
the Projects with an estimated cost or more than the estimated cost submitted to the
recommendation of the Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committees.
2. Green bond framework
The Government's expectation of turning to green finance was announced in Budget 2023. Funds
gained from such bond issues can be used for renewable energy, energy efficiency, green
buildings, clear transportation, sustainable water & waste water management, pollution
prevention, governance and circular economy, adaptation to climate change, conservation of
biodiversity and sustainable management of natural conservation of biodiversity and sustainable
management of natural resources and land use. The United Nation’s Economic and Social
Commission for Asia (UNESCAP), United Nation’s Development Program (UNDP) and Global
Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have agreed to support the government in establishing an
internationally recognized framework for accessing finance through green/blue and sustainable
financial instruments and a green bond framework has now been drafted accordingly. As such,
the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Hon. President in his capacity as
the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to obtain a second party
opinion(SPO) with the support of the United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia
(UNECSAP), United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia (UNESCAP), United
Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia (UNESCAP) and Global Green Growth
Institute (GGGI) so as to make the Green Bond Framework that has been drafted into a valid
document.
3. Preparation of a policy framework for the development of logistics services including the
shipping industry
The competition in the logistics services including the shipping industry can be considered as one
of the main factors for the economic development of any country. If we consider the experience
gained by countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, it appears that it is more important for a
country with an island economy like Sri Lanka. However, the current policy and regulatory
framework relating to the logistics industry, including the shipping industry, in Sri Lanka is quite
protective and it appears that it is not sufficient to attract investment for the development of the
industry or to create a situation favorable to the provision of such services to the users of
competitive/ cost effective supply services. Due to this situation, the need to prepare a policy
framework on logistics services industry has also been suggested by the Budget 2023.
Accordingly the cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Hon. President in
his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to appoint a
Policy Committee under the chairmanship of secretary to the treasury comprised of
representatives of the other relevant institutions to prepare a logistics service development
program covering the period 2023-2027 in accordance with international best practices.
4. Granting exemptions and incentives to businesses of strategic importance under the
Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021
Colombo Port City has been established as a Special Economic Zone by the Colombo Port City
Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021. It has been recognized the need to promote Colombo
Port City to create an environment that enables internationally competitive business activities
with the objectives of modernizing and, creating economic stabilization in Sri Lanka and making
the country the leader of service exports. According to the provisions of the Act, the Commission
may identify businesses designated as businesses of strategic value and ask the President or the
respective minister to the Colombo Port City subject to recommend exemptions or incentives.
Two categories of businesses have been identified for granting relevant exemptions or incentives,
namely primary businesses with strategic importance and secondary businesses. Accordingly the
Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Hon. President in his capacity as the
Minister of Investment Promotions to grant the exemptions and incentives accordingly.
5. “NAWA IM THARANAYA” (A new frontier), the first International Mining and Minerals
Conference, Investment Forum and Exhibition
It has been decided to hold the “NAWA IM THARANAYA” (A new frontier), the first
International Mining and Minerals Conference, Investment Forum and Exhibition at the
Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall with the aim of providing a platform to all
current and future stakeholders involved in the mineral industry of Sri Lanka. It is expected to
build a global brand value for the Sri Lankan mineral industry and create large-scale investment
opportunities. As such the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister
of Environment to hold the proposed International Mining and Minerals Conference, Investment
Forum and Exhibition in October 2023.
6. Amendment of Ayurveda Act
Cabinet approval has been given on 31.10.2022 to amend the Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 to
meet the sustainable development goals and meet the current needs. The bill prepared accordingly
by the Legal Draftsman has received the Attorney General's clearance. Accordingly, the Cabinet
of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Health to publish the said bill in
the Government Gazette and to table in the parliament consequently.
7. Implementation of The MEGAPOLIS Western Region Master Plan 2048
On 08.05.2023, the Cabinet has given approval for awarding the Surbana Jurong (Private)
Limited of Singapore to review the Western Area MEGAPOLIS Plan prepared by the Urban
Development Authority in the year 2015. Accordingly, the said plan will be reviewed and the
Western Region Master Plan 2048 will be prepared so that the projects identified so far under
the original master plan can be implemented on priority basis. Accordingly the Cabinet of
Ministers approved the combined proposal presented by the Hon. President, Hon. Prime
Minister and the Minister of Urban Development and Housing to appoint a Ministerial
Committee under the chairmanship of the Hon. Prime Minister for the guidance and
coordination of facilities for the implementation of the plan prepared.
8. Taking action to name the Grama Niladhari Division " Kompannavidiya " in the Colombo
Divisional Secretariat as such in all three languages
The Grama Niladhari Division " Kompannavidiya " of Colombo Divisional Secretariat has been
named as " Kompannavidiya " in Sinhala, "ஸ் லேவ் ஐேண் ட் " in Tamil and "Slave Island" in
English. It has been suggested that the name of the Grama Niladhari Division "Kompannavidiya “
should be used " Kompannavidiya " in all three languages. Accordingly the Cabinet of Ministers
Approved the proposal presented by the Hon. Prime Minister in his capacity as the Minister of
Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government to amend the
special gazette notification No. 743/5 dated 01.12.1992 and to announce the " Kompannavidiya
" in the same manner in the all three languages through a new gazette notification.
9. Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation between the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
It has been proposed to enter in to a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation
between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia. It is expected through this Memorandum of Understanding to promote bilateral
relations by exchanging views on the positive roles of other international organizations and on
current and global affairs, political trends and issues of mutual importance. Accordingly the
Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to sign
the Memorandum of Understanding.
10. Signing of cooperation agreement between Sri Lanka and Singapore for carbon reduction
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to act beneficially with the aim of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions under international carbon trading. It has been proposed to sign a
Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Sri Lanka and Singapore
Government on carbon reduction within the framework mentioned in the Paris Agreement.
Accordingly, the cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of
Environment to sign this Memorandum of Understanding.
11. Awarding the contract for ground handling services at Doha International Airport and cargo
handling services at Dubai International Airport to Sri Lankan Airlines
Tenders have been invited for ground handling services at Doha International Airport and cargo
handling services at Dubai International Airport. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal
presented by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to award the contract for ground
handling services at Doha International Airport to Qatar Aviation Services W.L.L. and the
contract for cargo handling services at Dubai International Airport to Dnata Company in
accordance with the recommendation of the Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee.
12. Setting up of a monument to commemorate those who died as a result of armed conflict,
political unrest or civil unrest in Sri Lanka
Since independence, Sri Lanka has had to face a history of civil unrest, political unrest, ethnic
conflicts and a prolonged armed conflict. During that time, citizens belonging to all ethnics,
religions, professions, and other identities were subjected to those dangers and sufferings
without limits. Any kind of conflict based on ethnicity, religion, political ideology or any other
reason is very detrimental to the well-being of the citizen. The bitter experiences of the past
have proved that it hinders the progress of the nation. However, such incidents still tend to
emerge from time to time, endangering the peace and security of citizens and disrupting social
and economic systems. The provision of collective reparations in the form of memorials and
other infrastructure has been recognized by the Office for Reparations Act No. 34 of 2018 as a
right to remedy for communities or groups of the affected individuals. Accordingly, the Cabinet
of Ministers approved the proposal made by the Hon. President to build a monument as a
symbol of harmony and reconciliation at a suitable place in Colombo to commemorate all the
people including civilians, members of the armed forces or police and ex-combatants who died
as a result of armed conflicts, political unrest or civil disturbances in Sri Lanka.
