Cabinet accepts “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” as the National Policy framework

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Cabinet of Ministers had decided to accept the President’s Policy Statement “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” as the National Policy framework. The Cabinet approved to upgrade the condition of National Colleges of Education up to University Faculties. In addition, the cabinet approval was granted to appoint a committee of experts representing fields of Education and Higher Education. Minister Bandula Gunawardane, Co Cabinet Spokesperson: "There had been salary anomalies within the teaching service for a very long time and these are yet to be resolved. If we solve these issues, we will be forced to do the same for other state services. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to appoint a committee of experts to conduct studies and produce proposals for setting up “Educational Closed Service” for Teachers, Principals, Instructors, Teacher Educators, and Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service officials." The Cabinet also approved the proposal to implement the program “Pivithuru Lanka National Environment Management Program” immediately in order to continue the entire Environmental Management operations in the island. In addition, the cabinet of ministers decided to withdraw the present requirement of a permit for the transportation of sand, soil, and clay. Minister Bandula Gunawardane noted that the police, security forces and the relevant authorities are currently monitoring whether sand in excess of the permitted limit, is being extracted. He added that however, on a temporary basis, they have removed the requirement for a permit to transport sand. He went on to note that they will monitor any decline in the supply of sand and stones. He shared that they would analyze the results of this temporary decision and based on that they will decide whether to revoke the decision or to implement it on a permanent basis. Journalist: How will you monitor whether sand or clay is being extracted illegally? How will you regulate this process? Bandula Gunawardane responded that the decision will be in effect until the next cabinet meeting next week and the conclusions of this decision will be analyzed by a team. Journalist: If such an incident does take place, is there any institution the public can speak to? He responded that there is no authority set in place and they could only inform the defence secretary.