-

Special instructions to manage fuel/electricity expenses of the Government

In the context of revised fuel and electricity prices in the local market, all Government Institutions should limit their consumption of fuel and electricity as a priority. This is a national responsibility entrusted to them. The objective of the Government by this measure is to save the valuable foreign exchange spent on importing fuel for transportation and generating electricity. In addition to this, the Government expects that institutions coming under it should pay more attention on alternative energy sources and improve such facilities while taking suitable steps to introduce efficient technical methods of fuel/electricity consumption.

The Department of National Budget has issued a circular on 16.02.2012 giving instructions to set an example to the country by the public sector. The Budget Circular holds the Secretaries to Ministries responsible for using fuel/electricity in a more efficient and cost effective manner. Circular in Sihala

“Uruma Aruna” Programme Launched

Mrs. Kanthi Wijetunga, Secretary, Ministry of National Heritage said that the Ministry of National Heritage has a programme to conserve historical buildings, furniture and equipment and to establish Uruma Aruna Conservation Fund which implements the activities related to conservation of places with a historical value such as Hambantota Kachcheri, ancient buildings in the vicinity of Jaffna Fort, Postal Headquarters in Colombo, ancient Kachcheri in Rathnapura and Mumtaz Mahal building and maintaining them as regional museums as proposed in the budget 2012.

Mrs. Wijetunga expressed these views at a progress review meeting on the implementation of budget proposals 2012 held on 16.02.2012 at the Treasury. Dr. P B Jayasundera, Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Planning chaired the meeting. Mr. Senerath Dissanayake, Director General of Archeology and several other officials including the officials from the Treasury attended.

Trade, Tariff and Investment Policy Circular with regard to the Issuing of Permits to Import Motor Vehicles on Concessionary Terms is amended.

The Trade, Tariff and Investment Policy Circular No. 1/2010 dated 10.02.2010 with regard to the issuing permits for administrative, management and professional executives serving in Public Service and Public Enterprises to import motor vehicles subjected to concessionary terms / to purchase motor vehicles which are locally manufactured using new components has been revised.

Thereby the officer categories serving in Public Service and Public Enterprises who are entitled to enjoy this concession have been expanded. Specially, officers holding professional posts have been conferred the right of enjoying this privilege within a short period of service than in the past. Circular in Sinhala

The Maize Pandol Beside the Exhibition Stall of Ministry of Finance to Public Auction

Concept :- By Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Treasury.

Design Construction :- Regional Development Bank

03 Metric Tons of maize obtained from ½ an acre will be sold in a public auction on 12.02.2012 at the end of the exhibition.

Deyata Kirula 2012-The Revival of Rajarata Development

The Deyata Kirula National Exhibition is being held with grandeur parallel to the National Independence Day in Anuradhapura, the historical city which marked  the origin of domestic culture and civilization . In the past, Deyata Kirula Exhibition was launched twice outside  Colombo, Viz in Pallekale and Buththala The Significance of the sixth Deyata Kirula Exhibition is that it is not merely a carnival but a development hub which paves the way to country’s prosperity.

IMF - SBA Review Mission - January/February 2012

IMF SBA Review Mission Courtesy Meeting was held on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 with the participation of Hon. Githanjana Gunawardana, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Mr. Benedict Bingham, (Advisor) IMF Asia and Pacific Department, Mr. Koshy Mathai, Resident Representative, Mr. Rahul Anand, Representative of the IMF. Dr. P. N. Weerasinghe, Executive Director, Mr. K. D. Ranasingha, Asst. Governer, Ms. S. Gunarathne, Director of Economic Research representing the Central Bank and Mr. S. R. Attygalle, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana, Director General, Department of Fiscal Policy and Mr. M. P. D. U. K. Mapa Pathirana, Director General, Department of External Resources representing the Ministry of Finance and Planning also took part in this meeting.