- the government has given high priority to increase the local milk production to cater to the demand in the country. Out of the 4500 heads of cows proposed to be imported under Phase I, 2000 have already been imported from Australia. It has been planned to import the balance 2500 from Australia and develop the infrastructure facilities of the Ridiyagama Farm in Hambantota under Phase II of the project in 2014. Negotiations have already been concluded to obtain credit facilities from a Bank in Netherlands for the importation of the balance 2500 cows referred to above, and an additional 20,000 high quality cows in keeping with the Budget Proposals for 2014. The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to enter into loan agreements for the purpose with the relevant Bank, was approved by the Cabinet.