The MoUs will cover cooperation in film, media, tourism, cooperatives, libraries, cultural, scientific, technical and sports fields. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha signed on behalf of Sri Lanka for the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Library and Archives of Iran and the National Library of Sri Lanka with Cultural Affairs Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili representing Iran.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was inked between the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, witnessed by Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana and Iranian Cultural Affairs Minister, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also sealed between Sri Lanka and Iran concerning cooperation in media and tourism. Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr.Bandula Gunawardhana, along with Iranian Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehra Biyan signed the agreement.

An agreement encompassing cultural, scientific, and technical collaboration, as well as media, youth, and sports programmes between Sri Lanka and the Islamic Republic of Iran, was signed. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry PC represented Sri Lanka, while Minister of Cultural Affairs Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili represented Iran.

Another Memorandum of Understanding was established between the Iran Cooperative Board and the Sri Lanka National Cooperative Board. Chairman of the Sri Lanka National Cooperative Board, G.V. Sarath Weerasiri, and Iran’s Cultural Affairs Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.

The event was attended by Ministers Pavitra Wanniarachchi, Prasanna Ranatunga, Kanchana Wijesekera, Nalin Fernando, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Aruni Wijewardene and other dignitaries.

The meeting between Iranian President Dr.Ibrahim Raisi who arrived in Sri Lanka to attend the inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project and President Ranil Wickremesinghe took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat.

President Wickremesinghe warmly greeted the delegation, which included the Iranian President, upon their arrival at the Presidential Secretariat. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded to the visitors accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

Following the introduction of the delegations from both nations, President Wickremesinghe escorted the Iranian President and his team to the Presidential Secretariat. Subsequent to amicable discussions between the leaders, bilateral talks commenced.

Diplomatic ties between Iran and Sri Lanka were established in 1962, predating formal recognition. Historical exchanges between the two nations date back to the Persian era, with trade conducted primarily through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran established its embassy in Colombo in 1975, while Sri Lanka reciprocated by opening its embassy in Tehran in January 1990. Both countries maintain robust cooperation across various sectors and engage in multilateral endeavours.

The leaders deliberated on enhancing bilateral relations between their respective nations, underscoring the commitment to further collaboration and mutual cooperation.

President Wickremesinghe took the opportunity to express his gratitude to President Raisi for the support extended by the Islamic Republic of Iran during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis and subsequent debt restructuring efforts. Updating President Raisi on Sri Lanka’s recent economic stability and recovery, President Wickremesinghe conveyed optimism regarding the nation’s future progress and prosperity.

During their discussions, the leaders delved into key areas of mutual interest, emphasising the need to bolster economic and trade ties while fostering political and cultural cooperation.

He emphasized the need to distribute economic benefits equitably among all citizens, acknowledging the impact of recent economic challenges on everyone. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Rice Distribution for low-income families at Ambagasdowa Stadium, Uva Paranagama President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that 2.74 million low-income families would receive a monthly allocation of 10 kilograms of rice for two months. Specifically, 191,548 eligible families in 15 Divisional Secretariat Divisions within the Badulla District were identified to receive this subsidy. The President symbolically distributed rice bags to 25 beneficiaries, marking the commencement of the rice allocation.

Rice distribution to chosen beneficiaries is ongoing under the supervision of Divisional Secretaries nationwide. President Wickremesinghe emphasized the significance of equitable economic development and collaboration among political parties, highlighting the current government’s diverse composition and its commitment to national interests.

Despite challenges such as currency depreciation and job losses, the government tripled benefits under the Aswasuma program to support those in need and initiated rice distribution for low-income individuals. The President emphasized inclusive economic development, sourcing rice from small-scale mill owners to support them financially.

Efforts to improve living standards include land grants to plantation communities and allocation of flats in Colombo. President Wickremesinghe stressed unity and urged collective efforts for national progress, emphasizing significant development programs for the Uva province. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva highlighted the President’s focus on empowering individuals economically, resulting in tangible progress. State Minister Chamara Samapath Dasanayake expressed satisfaction in providing rice benefits to those in need, emphasizing the President’s role in the nation’s economic recovery.

MP Vadivel Suresh commended the President’s efforts in uplifting the country from economic crisis and praised his foreign relations strategy. He highlighted initiatives like Aswasuma benefits and wage increases for public service employees, expressing confidence in the President’s leadership.

The event was attended by various political representatives and officials, signaling collective support for the government’s initiatives.

The Minister said this while speaking to the media after visiting the Uma-Oya Multipurpose Development Project last week.

She also said that all plans have been prepared to declare open the Uma-Oya Multipurpose Development Project under the leadership of the President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Iran’s President Ibrahim Raisi on Wednesday. Minister Wanniarachchi said that it was a victory.

The Minister first travelled to observe the Diaraba Reservoir and the Puhulpola Reservoir in the Welimada area of Bandarawela, which are the two reservoirs that collect water required for the production of electricity in the Uma-Oya project.

Minister Wanniarachchi also visited the underground power plant in Ella Karandagolla area and observed the power generation activities there.

Speaking to the media after the observation visit, the Minister said that it is a great achievement to be able to produce 120 megawatts of electricity through the Uma-Oya Multipurpose Development Project and connect it to the national power system. He pointed out that the production of electricity worth between 1,000 and 15,000 acres of paddy fields in Moneragala and Badulla districts is directly used for the cultivation of Yala Maha Dekenna after the production of electricity.

The Minister also mentioned that by being able to supply water, the development of the country’s agriculture sector will be positively affected. She also said that it is special to be able to supply drinking water to the people of Moneragala, Badulla and Bandarawela areas. She further said that the Uma-Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project is a huge project that will benefit the country’s national economy on the one hand and the livelihood development of the people of Badulla, Moneragala, Bandarawela and Hambantota areas on the other.

Project Director Eng. D. C. S. Alakanda, Resident Project Eng. Priyantha Nanayakkara, Iran Farab Construction Company Project Manager P. Dezfuli, and the site manager of the company M. Malekpour and others were present.

Project at a glance…

* The project was officially launched in 2010, with an estimated cost of US$ 514 million.

* All the constructions are carried out by the Farab Institute, which is the contracting company of the Iranian Government, and the Central Consultancy Bureau is monitoring the engineering works on behalf of the Irrigation Ministry (Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau).

* Under the Uma-Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project, a dam will first be constructed at the Puhulpola Reservoir and the water collected there will be brought to Diaraba Reservoir through a 4 km tunnel.

*A dam will be constructed at the Diaraba Reservoir, the water brought from the Puhulpola Reservoir will be stored there and then the water will be brought through a 15.5 km long tunnel to two turbines located underground in the Ella Karandagolla area.

* The two turbines produce 60 megawatts of hydroelectricity separately, and thus an electrical capacity of 120 megawatts is added to the national grid. The electricity produced in this way will be taken to Badulla for a distance of 23 kilometres through 65 high voltage power lines and connected to the national power system.

*After power generation, the water will be brought to the Alikota reservoir through another 4 km tunnel. Accidentally, the water is brought to Handapanagala and Kudoya reservoirs. By doing so, 1,500 hectares of old paddy fields and 4,500 hectares of new paddy fields will be directly irrigated to 15,000 acres of paddy fields for both the lower and upper regions.

*It is also expected to take the extra water discharged after the cultivation activities to the Lunugam Wehera area of Hambantota district and provide water for the cultivation activities of the Yala Maha Dekhanna for thirty thousand acres of paddy fields in that area.

* Through the Kirindioya Basin, the Uva Wellassa farmlands will be fertilised and this will enable the drinking water needs of the people of Badulla, Moneragala and Bandarawela areas to be fulfilled.

The Government has taken measures to grant free-hold ownership of lands for the plantation families, Cabinet Spokesman, Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said. He was speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held yesterday at the Government Information Department.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted its consent to the joint proposal forwarded by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Facilities Development to grant free – hold deeds with immediate effect for the same lands of plantation families that are residing at present.

In order to secure free-hold land rights to the estate community, the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies submitted a proposal under the theme “Awarding land rights to the estate community” by the budget proposals of 2024.

In order to realize this objective, a programme has been planned to be implemented by the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Facilities Development along with the New Village Development Authority for the estate zone with the assistance of non – Cabinet Ministry of State Plantation Entrepreneurship Rehabilitation.

Under the programme, 4,151 families living in the estates belonging to regional estate companies and State owned estate companies have been identified.

Submission of gazette notifications  to Parliament for approval

The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to submit to Parliament for the approval of the terms / orders / regulations, published under the following Acts and the relevant Gazette Notifications.

* Order issued under Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No.13 of 1989 published by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2364/36 dated 31.12.2023

* Order issued under Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, No. 18 of 2011 published by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2364/37 dated 31.12.2023

* Orders issued under the Finance Act No. 25 of 2003, published by Extraordinary Gazettes No. 2369/27 and No. 2374/19 dated 01.02.2024 and 06.03.2024 respectively.

* Notification issued under Finance Act No. 35 of 2018 (Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles) published by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2368/24 dated 24.01.2024

* Regulations issued under Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 19 of 2021 published by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2366/34 dated 12.01.2024

* Excise Notification No. 03/2023 issued under Excise Ordinance published by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2361/44 dated 08.12.2023

* Excise Notification No. 04/2023 issued under Excise Ordinance published by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2364/35 dated 31.12.2023

* Terms issued under the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010, published by Extraordinary Gazettes No. 2366/33 and No. 2369/42 dated 12.01.2024 and 02.02.2024 respectively.

Submission of rules published in gazette notification needs approval of Parliament

It is necessary to obtain the concurrence of the Parliament for the rules published in the gazette notification within the prescribed time frame mentioned in the relevant act for empowering the amendments to special commodities tax imposed when importing certain selected good categories under the Special Commodity Act No. 48 of 2007. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the resolution submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to forward the rules published in the extraordinary gazette notifications mentioned below under the Special Commodity Act No. 48 of 2007 for the concurrence of the Parliament.

* Extraordinary gazette notification No. 2360/52 dated 30.11.2023

Cabinet approves signing of MoU between Ocean University SL and Notre Dame
University in USA

It has been proposed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between Ocean University of Sri Lanka and Notre Dame University in the United States of America valid for a period of 5 years from

2024-2028 for implementation of a research project on Ocean and Atmospheric Science in the Bay of Bengal. The project is expected to facilitate the development of academic, research, undergraduate and postgraduate students’ skills in other National Universities and higher education institutions including the Ocean University of Sri Lanka.

The total cost of the project is USD 62,000 out of which USD 60,000 has been agreed to be given as a grant by the Notre Dame University and Washington University in the United States of America. Following which, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Education to sign the MoU between Ocean University of Sri Lanka and Notre Dame University in the United States of America for the implementation of this project.

Setting up of lab for energy efficiency testing of ACs in Sri Lanka

The South Korean government has agreed to provide support under the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Project to establish a laboratory in Sri Lanka for testing the energy efficiency of air conditioners. The project is financed through the Korea Energy Agency and the installation of the laboratory and necessary training of human resources in this project is scheduled to be completed during the year 2024. The agreement of the Department of Foreign Resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General’s Department has been received for the memorandum and referrals to be signed by the Government of South Korea and the Government of Sri Lanka expressing their agreement for the implementation of the proposed project.

As such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to sign the MoU and referrals between the two countries so that the proposed project can be implemented.

Establishing facility for radio active based cyclotron pharmaceuticals on basis of BOO gets Cabinet nod

Approval of the Cabinet has been granted at their meeting held on 29.03.2021 to implement a cyclotron based radioactive pharmaceuticals in Sri Lanka with the loan and grants from local banks.

Accordingly, on the basis of Building, Ownership and Operating (BOO), EOI has been called and five (05) resolutions in this regard have been received. The Cabinet approved the proposal furnished by the Electricity and Power Minister to award the related contract to M/s Access International (Pvt.) Ltd that has furnished the resolution with all required technical requirements based on the recommendations of the project committee and the Cabinet appointed negotiation committee.

Permits for Black Gram imports gets Cabinet nod

Sri Lanka’s annual Black Gram requirement is Around 20,000 MT. Due to the fact that the harvest reaches the market only during a certain period, there is a shortage of Black Gram in the market during the festive season of April and December every year. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent the shortage of Black Gram in the market during the upcoming festival season and to control the increase in the price of Black Gram.

As such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries to lift the temporary ban on the importing of Black Gram and to import 2,000 metric tons of Black Gram only through the State Trading (General) Corporation, the National Food Promotion Board and the Hadabima Authority of Sri Lanka subject to the Special Commodity Tax imposed by the Special Commodities Act No. 48 of 2007.

Cabinet nods for Sports Minister’s proposal seeking annual gazetting of Anti-Doping (Prohibited List)

According to the provisions of the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, the list of prohibited substances should be published in the Gazette annually.

Since it has been reported that doping is given to athletes as well as animals used in sports, a list of doping substances has also been published for horse sports and horse racing from this year.

Following which, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs to submit to Parliament for approval the Anti-Doping (Prohibited List) Regulations No.09 of 2023 published under the provisions of Convention Against Doping in Sport Act No. 33 of 2013, in the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No.2373/14 dated February 27, 2024.

Fulfilment of National commitments consistent with the Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol on gradual phase out of Hydro-fluorocarbon importation and consumption of it being mindful of not having any adverse effects in the process.

In 2018, Sri Lanka ratified the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol on the phase down of Hydro-fluorocarbon. As a result, Sri Lanka is legally bound to restrict the import, export, trade and consumption of Hydro-fluorocarbon on a phased basis from January 01, 2024. 

As such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Environment to adhere the legal obligation of the National obligations related to the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Alliance by limiting the importation and consumption of pure Hydro-fluorocarbon and products containing Hydro-fluorocarbon to Sri Lanka on a phasing out basis and by implementing the Hydro-fluorocarbon import trade under an annual import quota system so that the hydro-fluorocarbon consuming sectors such as agriculture, fishing, health, tourism, transport, industry, housing, and construction do not have adverse effects.

Establishment of an inter-Ministerial tourism committee

It is recognised that the current revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry will play an important role in the country’s economic recovery and growth.

Therefore, many measures have been proposed in the 2024 budget, including the implementation of a long-term programme to promote the tourism sector and bring at least five million tourists annually.

Due to the multifaceted nature of the tourism industry and its various assets, laws and responsibilities are divided among several government agencies, it is essential to maintain efficient coordination and cooperation among the relevant agencies to achieve the desired benefits.

As such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President to establish an inter-ministerial tourism committee chaired by the Secretary to the President and with representatives from relevant government agencies.

MoU between DSRSL and Govt. of Hungary on Sports and Sport Education

It has been proposed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (DSRSL) and the Republic of Hungary in order to develop and strengthen cooperation between the two sides by promoting the fields of sports and sports education. The draft MoU has received the Attorney General’s clearance and as such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs to obtain the relevant signatures.

Creating a million young entrepreneurs under the ‘Urumaya’ programme

An islandwide programme to gather information about young entrepreneurs covering the entire island obtaining information related to grant of freehold ownership and creating a million young entrepreneurs under the ‘Urumaya’ programme. Almost two million families in the country have been given grants/permits for the land they occupy. Under the Urumaya programme, it is planned to give the absolute right of the government lands to the grantees and permit holders in the year 2024. It is also planned to implement a programme to create one million young entrepreneurs in the entire island. The information required to implement these two programmes is expected to be gathered by deploying the youth force of the National Youth Service Council covering all 14,022 Grama Niladhari Divisions in the island with the support of the Grama Niladhari in the respective divisions. In accordance, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Tourism and Lands to implement the Urumaya programme and the programme to create a million young entrepreneurs by collecting the necessary information through the existing mechanisms at the divisional secretariat level.

Revision of Sri Lanka Foundation Act No: 31 of 1973

The Sri Lanka Foundation, established under the Sri Lanka Foundation Act No. 31 of 1973, acts as a centre for training and awareness services on subjects related to sustainable development, social integration, socioeconomic development, good governance, entrepreneurship and democracy. At present, the Sri Lanka Foundation runs various courses ranging from Certificate courses to Advanced National Diplomas. However, there is a need to revise not only the goals and objectives of the foundation but also the powers and functions to suit the current needs. Consequently, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Media Minister to amend the Sri Lanka Foundation Act providing scope for the Act to perform accordingly.

Amendments to the Primary Courts Procedure Act

In a dispute affecting land, it is the function of a Civil Court to determine or give a final decision as to title or possession, and until then only preventive or remedial action is taken by a Primary Court. Inevitable delays occur here since the order entered by the Primary Court remains in effect pending a final decision by a District Court in determining rights, and since District Court decisions are subject to two appeals. That situation enables a trespasser or even a squatter to retain possession of the land for a considerable period of time. As such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill to amend the Primary Court Procedure Act so as to achieve the desired objectives section 66 of the Primary Court Procedure Act No. 44 of 1979 as amended by Act No. 49 of 1980 in a more effective manner.

Provision of fertilizer subsidy to farmers for Yala season

As estimated by the National Fertilizer Secretariat, the chemical fertilizers urea, TSP and MOP, respectively, MT 110298.1, MT 27711.1 and MT. 33412.4 each is required for paddy cultivation in 2024 season. Accordingly, taking into consideration the proposals presented by the Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister, the Cabinet decided as follows.

To import fertilizer through Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited and Colombo Commercial Fertilizer Company Limited for the 2024 ‘Yala’ season, and sell fertilizer to farmers at concessional prices competitively with the private sector. Provision of a Rs. 15,000 subsidy per hectare for a maximum of twoú hectares cultivated by a farmer during the 2024 Yala season through the Department of Agricultural Development, directly crediting of relevant subsidy to farmers’ bank accounts.

Acceleration of stalled rural development programmes

Due to the economic crisis of the last few years, many development projects that had been commenced at the rural level had to be suspended.

However, since the government has already made significant investment in those projects, those projects should be completed immediately and the expected benefits should be given to the rural people. It has been revealed that the amount of allocation allocated under the decentralized budget programme is not sufficient to continue the implementation of the rural development programmes that have already been suspended midway in the respective areas.

Hence, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President to provide another Rs. 2,000 million allocation under the decentralized budget programme for the re-implementation of the development projects that had to be stopped midway at the rural level, and to increase the allocation for special development initiatives implemented under the supervision of the President’s Office by another 1,000 million rupees.

Rooftop Solar Power Generation Projects for Religious Places

Awarding procurement for the implementation of the Rooftop Solar Power Generation Projects for Religious Places under the funds provided by the Government of India.

On January 08, 2024, the Cabinet had approved the implementation of the Rooftop Solar Power Generation Projects in religious places subject to a limit of 17 million US dollars under the loan facility of 1,000 million US dollars provided by the State Bank of India.

In effect, bids have been invited to select a suitable institution for the implementation of the project, and six bids have so far been received. Considering the recommendations made by the Procurement Appellate Board regarding the recommendation made by the Technical Appraisal Committee and the Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to award the procurement for the implementation of Rooftop Solar Power Generation Project to M/s Premier Energies Ltd., for a contract price of US$ 17 million.

Relief to low income families gets Cabinet nod

In the first half of 2023, the government has taken steps to provide ten kilos of Nadu rice per family for a period of two months covering 2.74 million families in the 25 districts, including Samurdhi beneficiaries.

In order to help maintain the nutritional level of the identified low-income earners, it has been found that it is advisable to implement the same programme this year as well. Following which, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President to provide 10 kgs of rice per family per month for a period of two months covering about 2.74 million low-income families identified through district secretaries/Government Agents by involving small and medium scale mill owners.

The Chief Guest was Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda. Among the other notable attendees included Director of the Anti-Leprosy Campaign Dr. Prasad Ranaweera and legendary cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan’s father Sinnasamy Muttiah.

Lake House Chairman Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam and the Board of directors and Thinakaran paper and Lake House Staff attended.

Also, students who excelled in an essay competition conducted by the paper also were given awards. Several veteran journalists who contributed to the success of the paper over the years too were felicitated.

The Thinakaran paper was first published in 1932. It was started by founder of the Lake House the late D. R. Wijewardene with an objective of instilling the desire for freedom in the minds of Tamil speaking community from the colonial rulers.

Thinakaran acted as a platform for the development of Tamil literature in Sri Lanka. Thinakaran, Sri Lanka’s premier Tamil language National newspaper with a tradition of more than nine decades, has successfully overcome many risks and hurdles in its history of 92 years.