Cabinet Decisions: Key Takeaways from 1 April Meeting

On 1 April, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers met and made several decisions aimed at improving services, healthcare, and international relations. Here’s a breakdown of the key outcomes:

1. New Immigration Office in Jaffna

The Cabinet approved setting up a new regional office for the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Jaffna. Currently, people from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mullaitivu have to travel to Vavuniya for passport and immigration services, which takes a lot of time. With many passport applications coming from the Northern Province, this new office—planned for the Jaffna District Secretariat premises—will make things faster and easier for locals. It’s expected to open this month.

2. Buying 340,000 Bottles of Human Albumin Solution

The government is purchasing 340,000 bottles (50 ml each) of 20% Human Albumin Solution, a medicine used to treat low blood volume and albumin levels. After reviewing bids from two companies, the contract was awarded to Reliance Life Science Pvt Ltd from India, as they offered the lowest price that met all requirements.

3. Securing 1 Million Vials of Colistimethate Sodium

The Cabinet greenlit the purchase of 1 million vials (150,000 IU each) of Colistimethate Sodium, an antibiotic for serious infections caused by certain bacteria. Slim Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd from Sri Lanka (with the drug made by Gufic Biosciences Ltd, India) won the contract for offering the best price after a competitive bidding process.

4. Ordering 30 Million Metres of Surgical Gauze for 2025

To support local businesses, the Cabinet decided to buy 30 million metres of surgical gauze for government hospitals in 2025 from 282 registered local manufacturers. Each metre will cost Rs. 68.97, a price approved by a special committee, ensuring hospitals stay stocked while boosting small-scale producers.

5. Procuring 18,000 Vials of Trastuzumab for Cancer Treatment

The government will buy 18,000 vials (20 ml, 440 mg each) of Trastuzumab, a drug used to treat certain cancers. Out of four bids, Cliniqon Biotech Pvt Ltd from Sri Lanka (with the drug made by AryoGen Pharmed, Iran) got the contract for submitting the lowest qualifying bid.

6. Updating the Electricity Act

The Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024 is getting a makeover. A special committee gathered input from 59 stakeholders, including electricity sector experts and development partners, and submitted a report with suggested changes. The Cabinet approved drafting a new bill based on these recommendations to improve how electricity is managed in Sri Lanka.

7. New Additional Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office

A.B.M. Ashroff, a senior officer with experience at the UN’s Green Climate Fund, was appointed as an Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. Three of the five posts at this level were vacant, and his appointment fills one of them, effective immediately.

8. New Director for Cultural Affairs

Mrs. K.S. Dilhani, a senior officer currently at the Ministry of Defence, will take over as Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The Cabinet approved her appointment to fill the vacant role and strengthen the department’s leadership.

9. Boosting the Aswasuma Welfare Scheme

The Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme, which helps vulnerable people, is being updated with higher payments. Approved on March 17 and published in the gazette on March 24, the revised plan is now headed to Parliament for final approval.

10. Responding to UK Sanctions on Four Sri Lankans

The UK recently imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals, prompting the Cabinet to form a committee to investigate. Led by Ministers Vijitha Herath (Foreign Affairs), Harshana Nanayakkara (Justice), and Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekara (Defence), the group will study the situation and recommend next steps.

11. Aid for Myanmar Earthquake Victims

After a devastating earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, killing 2,700 people, Sri Lanka stepped up to help. The Cabinet approved $1 million in financial aid, dry rations collected with Buddhist monks’ support, and a medical relief team ready to assist Myanmar, reflecting the strong ties between the two Buddhist nations.