Acceleration of construction work of Hambantota Safari Park and modernization of the quarry and Drainage System in Dehiwala Zoological Gardens –

•The construction of a Safari Park at Hambantota was initiated with the view to providing a novel experience to both foreign and local tourists. The proposal made by Hon. Basil Rajapakse, Minister of Economic Development, to entrust the construction work as well as the supply of water, electricity etc. to State institutions and to incur the required expenditure for the above from the annual provisions granted for construction work under the Zoological Garden’s Fund, was approved by the Cabinet.

Establishment of the Department of Divi Neguma Combined Rural Development –

•Cabinet approval has already been granted for the Establishment of the above Department, amalgamating the Department of the Samurdhi Commissioner General, Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority, Department of Upcountry Peasantry Rehabilitation, Sri Lanka Udarata Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Southern Development Authority, with the view to accelerating the development activities of the Governrnerit. The proposal made by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft legislation for the purpose, was approved by the Cabinet.