Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2011-02-15

Importation of Dairy Animals

- Cabinet approval has already been granted for the importation of 4500 Dairy Animals (pregnant heifers) from Australia to develop the farms at Bopaththalawa, Nikaweratiya and Siringapatha belonging to the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) over a period of 5 years for a total sum of US$ 28,537,185. This project is to be implemented in two phases. Negotiations have been completed to obtain loans for the purpose from Netherlands and Australia to finance the project. On a proposal made by H.E. the President, Cabinet approval was granted to enter into loan agreements with the relevant Banks in Netherlands and Australia and to onlend the proceeds of the loans to the National Livestock Development Board to be utilized for the purpose.