Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2021-11-01

Obtaining direct services from Semi-Government Institutions for the projects identified under “Wari Saubhagya” programme

- Rehabilitation of 500 tanks/anicuts was initiated in this year under “Wari Saubhagya” programme in order to stabilize the agricultural economy of the country thereby strengthening the lives of rural population. Under the said programme it is planned to rehabilitate 1000 tanks/anicuts in the year 2021. Irrigation Department, Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, Mahaweli Consultancy Services Bureau and the Agrarian Development Department function as the implementation institutions of that programme. “Wari Saubhagya” programme is expected to be completed within three years and therefore, it has been found appropriate to obtain the services of State institutions and Semi-Government institutions for the purpose. Accordingly, the proposal made by the Minister of Irrigation to award the construction contracts up to Rs. 50 million of the “Wari Saubhagya” programme also to the Semi-Government institutions such as Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, State Development and Construction Corporation, National Equipment and Machinery Organization, Central Engineering Services Corporation, Mahaweli Consultancy Services Bureau and the Maga Neguma Department by following the direct contract awarding procedure, was approved by the Cabinet.