Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2012-02-22

Project for the Improvement of Basic Social Services in Developing Regions - Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

- the Japanese Government has agreed to provide a loan of Japanese Yen 3935 million (approximate Rs.5509 million) through JICA for the above purpose. The following are to be implemented under this project:

* Expansion of the production capacity of the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation - four new manufacturing machines along with other processing machinery are to be installed to enhance the production of tablets up to 4000 million per annum to meet the requirement of the government.
* Strengthening of Secondary Hospitals and providing modern and quality care services - selected secondary hospitals in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Western and North Central Province are to be upgraded with the required facilities to function as core hospitals in the region. In addition, 124 Ambulances are to be provided to hospitals in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, North Central, Uva, Eastern and Northern Provinces.
The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to enter into a loan agreement for the purpose with JICA, was approved by the Cabinet.