Progress Description

"A special court to hear cases relating to financial crimes and frauds will be established" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, a resolution was presented by the Minister of Justice regarding a special court of first instance. This was given approval by the Cabinet of Ministers to act based on the recommendations of the committee appointed by the Minister of Justice, and is chaired by Dr. Ruwan Fernando; Justice of the Appeal Court. This committee will be paying attention to issues causing the delay of law within the country.
(Cabinet Decisions, 14 June 2021)

Progress Description

"Any public enterprise will not be privatized" Budget Speech 2021: " While the private sector is ahead of the public sector in commercial activities, we do not choose the alternative of privatization of public enterprises. Our policy is to allow public enterprises to function with the private sector management freedoms and to enhance the market competition and consumer welfare with the intervention of the state sector. Therefore, I propose to introduce a regulatory framework providing the required commercial freedoms to the public enterprises in various sectors." [page 37]

No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A National Enterprises Authority will be established" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A Parliamentary Select Committee will be appointed to engage with the people, political leaders, and civil society groups in order to prepare a new constitution" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"An Inter-Religious Advisory Council will be established under the chairmanship of the President" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A National Land Commission will be established to prepare a proper land use policy" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

If the National Land Commission were to be established, it will formulate policies on state land alone, and will not relevant to private land. In the National Land Commission, representatives from all Provincial Councils, and a technical secretariat representing all disciplines pertaining to natural resource management, will/should be included. Policies would be made on technical and socio-economic grounds, while addressing general framework and norms regarding land use, forest cover, soil, climate, environmental factors and economic viability.

Establishing this commission was attempted through a bill in 1992 and lapsed after the dissolution of parliament in 1994.

Progress Description

"A new legislation will be enacted to curb election related expenditure and empower the Election Commission to institute legal action against any violations" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

As of 12th October, two meetings were held by 'The Select Committee of Parliament to Identify Appropriate Reforms of the Election Laws and the Electoral System and to Recommend Necessary Amendments'. Content pertaining to this promise has not been brought up as of 12th October 2021.

Progress Description

"The personnel in intelligence agencies, armed forces and police will be provided with the legal protection to enable them to perform their duties fearlessly and with dignity, without any political interference" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"An independent commission will be established to investigate into the activities of all those responsible for the April 21st terror attack and to penalize them according to the procedure established by law" The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday Attacks was established under the Extra Ordinary Gazette Notification issued on 20th September 2019 by the then President Maithripala Sirisena. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa extended the term of this Commission twice - in March 2020 and September 2020. This Commission has submitted its report on February 2021. The government is yet to take action against those who are responsible.

Sources:
1. Committee establishment: http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2019/9/2141-88_E.pdf

2. Extension of the Commission term:
http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2020/3/2167-05_E.pdf
http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2020/9/2191-45_E.pdf

Progress Description

"A National Drug Rehabilitation Programme will be instituted to ensure that all those addicted to drugs are rehabilitated" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A police university similar to the Kotelawala Defence Academy will be created" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

In November 2016, the progress report tabled in parliament by the then Ministry of Law and Order and Southern Development refers to a land extent of 16 acres in Attidiya area for this purpose.

Currently, the National Police Academy which was established with effect from 01 December 2008, offers Master's and Bachelor's degrees with the assistance of National Universities.

Sources:
1. https://www.dailynews.lk/2016/11/28/local/100415
2. https://www.police.lk/index.php/item/93-programme-summary

Progress Description

"Motorcycles will be provided to police officers below the rank of Inspector, who have to carry out field investigations" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Three schools per Divisional Secretariat will be upgraded to 'National schools', thus increasing the present number of 353 National Schools to 1000" Budget Speech 2021: "An allocation of Rs.3,000 million will be available to provide the required teachers and basic facilities to the rural schools, along with the 1,000 National School Development Programme to be implemented at the Divisional Secretariat level." [page 42] A Cabinet Decision was made to increase "the number of national schools in the school system to 1000 and establish new trilingual schools in each district."
(Cabinet Decisions, 10 December 2019)

The Cabinet of Ministers have taken a decision to enact a programme to establish 1000 new national schools covering all divisional secratariats. This plan is to be implemented in three phases.
(Cabinet Decisions, 07 December 2020)

The 1st phase is to develop national schools in 123 Divisional Secretariats where there aren't any.

The 2nd phase is to upgrade 673 schools selcted on pre-decided criteria into national schools.

The 3rd phase is to develop the 373 existing ones.

In budget estimate of 2021 have set 950 million rupees for establishing National Schools in Divisional Secretariat Divisions where there is no National School, and 1000 million rupees for upgrading facilities of Secondary Schools and establishing 1000 National Schools.
[Budget Estimates - 2021, Volume II, Page No. 502]

Progress Description

"A new scientific method for university admissions based on the school rather than the district, will be introduced" The Cabinet of Ministers have taken a decision to "introduce a new school-based scientific method to select students for Government Universities, in lieu of the present Z-Score system based on districts" in 2019.
(Cabinet decisions, 10 December 2019)

Progress Description

"The age limits for ‘O levels and ‘A’ levels will be amended in accordance with the norm at international examinations" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A new method will be introduced to test a student’s IQ level at Grade 6, and they will be guided to higher studies according to their acquired skills and inherent skills" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"An aviation university and a nautical university will be established" Budget Speech 2021: "HE the President has already taken the initiative to establish a new University catering to Port and Aviation Technology Engineering subjects by 2023 in Deniyaya in the Matara District." [page 14]

Progress Description

"Four institutes affiliated to the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute will be established in Matara, Mannar, Batticaloa, and Badulla" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, it is mentioned in the 2021 budget estimate as a special priority under the State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation.
[Budget Speech 2021, Page Number 577]

Progress Description

"The number of existing university colleges will be increased from 6 to 20" A Cabinet Decision has been taken to establish town colleges/university colleges.
[Cabinet Decisions, April 19 2021]

Additionally, Budget Estimates-2021 mentions of establishing a university college in Kinniya and allocated expenditures from 2021 to 2023.
[Budget Estimates - 2021, Volume II, Page No. 593]

Currently, university colleges already exist in Jaffna, Ratmalana, Anuradhapura, Kuliyapitiya, Matara and Batangala.
[Budget Estimates - 2021, Volume II, Page No. 587]

Progress Description

"The 'Suwa Divimaga' Programme, a programme to promote a healthy lifestyle among the citizens will be implemented" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A regulatory authority will be established to govern all hospitals, dispensaries and laboratories" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Nursing Training Schools will be upgraded to degree awarding level" Budget 2021: "It is proposed to upgrade the Nursing schools to that of degree awarding institutions to expand the professional education of nursing and nursing services." [page 17] No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A National Indigenous Medical Council and a Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Medical Council will be established" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"‘Youth Entrepreneur Counselling Centers' will be established under the Ministry of Youth Affairs" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, through a decision made by the Cabinet of Ministers, a National Youth Development programme named 'Hope 4 Sri Lanka' was given approval which was presented as a proposal by the Minister of Youth and Sports. This programme functions through the National Youth Service Council and selects innovative entrepreneurs on district level through interviews and a five day entrepreneurial training is given to selected groups. Additionally, the Sri Lankan branch of YouLead, affiliated with USAID, has agreed to make available a 60% bond for the loans that new entrepreneurs obtain.
(Cabinet decisions, 21 September 2021)

Source:
1. https://www.dailynews.lk/2021/07/20/local/254400/%E2%80%9Chope-4-sri-lanka%E2%80%9D-programme-produce-50000-entrepreneurs-annually

Progress Description

"A Youth Human Resource Data Bank will be established" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, this promise has been mentioned in detail in the 2017 Annual Report of the National Human Resources Development Council in Sri Lanka which had been functioning under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, as a power 'to create and maintain a data bank on Human Resources Development and related field'. No other progress is yet to been in this regard, especially under the current President's term.

Source:
1. Annual Report: (page 11)
https://www.parliament.lk/uploads/documents/paperspresented/annual-report-national-human-resources-development-council-2017.pdf

Progress Description

"A Sports University of international standard will be established" The Cabinet of Ministers have approved the proposal for a National Sports University to be built at the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex, altering its plans. Also, the Cabinet appointed a committee headed by former Vice-Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Dr. Chandra Embuldeniya to submit recommendations of studies of all circumstances related to the establishment of the proposed Sports University.
(Cabinet decisions, 18 March 2020)

Progress Description

"Each District Court will have a dedicated section to resolve court cases pertaining to children without delay" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal made by the Minister of Education to establish the facility at the provincial level, initiating 9 video evidence recording units within hospital premises, covering all 9 provinces.
(Cabinet decisions, 12 July 2021)

Progress Description

"A separate unit will be set up within the Police Commission to take swift disciplinary action against officers who do not adhere to the standards and principles of gender equality" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The responsibility for disabled people will be assigned to a separate authority with the participation of disabled people themselves" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A ‘Voluntary Service Task Force’ will be set up with the objective of engaging senior citizens for soft skills development projects" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The Rs.100/- deducted from the elderly assistance programme will be added back to the existing Rs. 2,000/- and the monthly allowance will be increased to Rs. 2,500" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A subsidy scheme will be put in place for senior citizens above 65 years of age to purchase prescribed medicines" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, the State Pharmaceutical Corporation has already granted a 5% discount which can be obtained at Rajya Osu Salas, which is not limited to persons over 55, but additionally extends to persons under 5 years and pregnant women. This can be observed in the State Pharmaceutical Corporation website.

Source:
1. https://www.spc.lk/

Progress Description

"A new ‘Code of Ethics’ will be introduced to ensure an independent public service" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"An insurance scheme will be introduced for public and private sector employees who become unemployed" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The employer’s contribution to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for employees of the public and private sector will be increased to 15% from the existing 12%" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"New legislation will be introduced to make it compulsory for an employer of the public or private sector to pay the salary of the employee to the widow until the retirement age of the employee if the employee’s death takes place while in service and the employee is a member of the Employees Provident Fund" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Legal provisions will be put in place to indemnify officers of government departments, semi-government public corporations and banks who carry out their duties in good faith" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A mechanism similar to the arbitration system for labour disputes currently in place in the private sector will be introduced to the public sector as well" According to a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers a proposal on an arbitration mechanism to resolve employee disputes in the state sector has been furnished by the Minister of Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Government. This proposal will go forward through appointing a committee with the Secretaries of the relevant Ministries, and representatives of applicable Trade Unions. The purpose is to introduce a mechanism with four stages of discussion/dialogue, trial, mediation and arbitration.
(Cabinet Decisions, 16 November 2020)

Progress Description

"A healthcare allowance will be given to lower grades of employees in the public service including the local government service" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The salary increase of Rs. 2,500/- paid to the public servants will be paid to employees of the semi government sector as well" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The Shop and Office Act will be amended to ensure the welfare of employees" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) (Amendment) Act, No. 1 of 2021, was amended to increase the employable age from fourteen years to sixteen years on January 18 2021.

Source:
1. https://www.parliament.lk/uploads/acts/gbills/english/6201.pdf

Progress Description

"A special contributory pension scheme will be introduced in addition to the Employees Provident Fund" Budget Speech 2021: "Although there is a pension scheme in place for public sector employees, certain employees of public enterprises and private sector benefits only from the Employees’ Provident Fund. Further, there is no pension scheme or a employees’ provident fund mechanism for a majority of those employed in production sectors and services such as agriculture, fisheries, small enterprises and those self-employed and employed in apparel, tourism, plantation sectors and are employed overseas earning foreign exchange deprived that bring foreign exchange revenue to the country depriving them of a fixed income in their old age. This is why I proposed a contributory pension scheme for them in 2012. Therefore, I propose to introduce a contributory pension scheme to be made available at the end of 65 years of age." [page 40] No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Taxes on the retirement gratuity will be reduced from 24% to 15%" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The income tax of employees in these sectors will be reduced to the level that existed in 2014" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The pension given to former state bank employees will be given to new state bank employees, and the pension benefit will also be granted to bank employees who are currently not eligible for this benefit" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance No.19 of 1934 will be amended to increase compensation payments for employees" The Cabinet of Ministers has given approval to amend the Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance (139 th Authority) of No. 19 of 1934, thereby taking measures to increase the amount of compensation eligible to be paid to the employees during an accident.
[Cabinet Decisions, 5 October 2020]

Progress Description

"The Industrial Disputes Act No. 43 of 1950 will be amended to bring in legal provisions to expedite disciplinary procedures" The Cabinet of Ministers has given approval to make ammendments to the Industrial Disputes Act No.43 of 1950 to expedite the procedure of Disciplinary Inquiries or Interdictions against Private Sector employees.
[Cabinet Decsions, 01 February 2021]

The labour laws do not speicify a time limit for a formal disciplinary inquiry on allegations and a final decision in the event of a interdiction due to any action of exculpatory or misconduct by a private sector employee. Therefore, interdicted employees face social and economic difficulties. The amendment is to give a final disciplinary order within 6 months time from the time of interdiction, and for the employee to receive a half-salary (unless in a case related to financial fraud) to remove these difficulties.

Promise in progress on this basis.

Progress Description

"Further improvements will be introduced to the loan schemes from the EPF and the withdrawal of funds by those above the age of 55, by introducing internet banking to credit funds to member accounts" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A state awards festival “Lak Vyawasayaka Harasara” will be held annually to reward private sector organizations" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A duty free vehicle permit will be provided for migrant workers and Sri Lankans abroad who have remitted US dollars 50,000 annually continuously for a period of 10 years" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A contributory pension scheme will be introduced for migrant workers who have been in employment abroad for a period of over 6 years" Budget Speech 2021: "Although there is a pension scheme in place for public sector employees, certain employees of public enterprises and private sector benefits only from the Employees’ Provident Fund. Further, there is no pension scheme or a employees’ provident fund mechanism for a majority of those employed in production sectors and services such as agriculture, fisheries, small enterprises and those self-employed and employed in apparel, tourism, plantation sectors and are employed overseas earning foreign exchange deprived that bring foreign exchange revenue to the country depriving them of a fixed income in their old age. This is why I proposed a contributory pension scheme for them in 2012. Therefore, I propose to introduce a contributory pension scheme to be made available at the end of 65 years of age." [page 40] No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Legal reforms will be introduced to strengthen the process of obtaining compensation for victims of accidents in workplaces abroad" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A social enterprise development centre will be established to promote the expansion of social enterprise" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The current Inland Revenue Act will be replaced by a new tax law" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A simple taxation system will be introduced to cover annual vehicle registrations and charges for relevant annual services, replacing the prevailing systems" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Withholding taxes on savings deposits held by the retired and/or senior citizens and children will be scrapped" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A National Development Bank will be newly established" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Pension scheme for farmers will be reestablished" Budget Speech 2021: "Although funds amounting to more than Rs.50 billion have been annually allocated for the recipients of Samurdhi and pension entitlements of farmers and fishermen, however, a savings mechanism that provides an adequate income for to the requirements that arises in their old age or for special requirements has not been in place" [Page 9]

No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A standards certificate from the Sri Lanka Standards Institute will be made compulsory for seed to be imported into the country" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A seeds bank under the Ministry of Agriculture will be established to ensure seed safety" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"In order to make cinnamon extraction and preparation a respectable job, a technical training course will be developed at a suitable NVQ level" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The fishery harbour in Oluvil will be developed into one with facilities for operation of large-scale boats" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Commencement of an interest free loan scheme to the fishing industry workers through the Ministry of Fisheries" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"In industrial cities/ free trade zones, free ports will be set up covering all Provinces in economic corridors and surrounding ports and airports in areas such as Colombo and Hambantota" Budget Speech 2021: " In order to promote the Colombo and Hambanthota ports as commodity trading hubs in international trading, and to encourage investments in bonded warehouses and warehouses related to offshore business I propose to exempt such investments from all taxes." [page 10]

No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A Parliamentary Act will be brought in to clearly specify what should and should not happen in free trade zones and industrial towns" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A single booking software system will be installed, to facilitate reservation of hotels, transport, guides, domestic air tickets and admission card to tourist sites through Internet" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Labor laws governing tourist sector workers will be revised to create security of employment to them and ensure them the trade rights" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The plans made by BOI and the Land Reforms Commission to allocate 200 acres of land belonging to the Commission in Eravur area for the development of a garments town will be implemented speedily" Cabinet of Ministers has taken decision to award tax relief as per provisions of Strategies development project Act No. 14 of of 2008 for the projects within the special zone to be inaugurated in Punneikuda, Eravur, Batticaloa for the manufacturing of Fabrics.
(Cabinet Decisions, 05 July 2021)

Progress Description

"The 15 percent VAT on apartments will be scrapped" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Immediate action will be taken to reopen Kanthale and other sugar factories" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A Digital and Electronic Payment System will be established for citizens to pay traffic fines" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A new e-Procurement system would be introduced" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Digital Cities with digital monitoring and administrative centres will be established to address water and electricity usage, traffic congestion, and disaster situations" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"New legislation will be introduced to ensure Data Protection, Cyber security, and Intellectual Property Rights" Budget Speech 2021: "His Excellency the President has given special attention to enhance Digital Governance using Information Technology as a tool to simplify Government mechanisms as well as market structures and processes, ensuring efficient and people-focused service delivery and exchange of knowledge. Establishment of an international e-commerce and e-payment systems, the high speed data exchange system and the related mobile network systems are investment priorities .It is required to establish new laws and organizational structures in relation to data security, cyber security and intellectual property rights. The aim of this is to convert our economy as a technology-based entrepreneurial economy by expanding entrepreneurial development, technological infrastructure and related services to enable enhancement of the contribution of the technology sector for exports and its contribution for knowledge and professional services of the national economy. Therefore, I propose a special allocation of Rs. 8,000 million to expand the technology sector." [Page 12]

According to a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers in October 2021, approval has been given to,

a) Drafting a bill named Defense Cyber Commands Act:
This will protect against terrorist groups and criminals who use the cyber space and electronic communication for terrorist activities, organized crimes and anti – social activities. This will include the required provisions so that the operations performed by cyber protection units which are already established at institutional level by the three armed forces, Police and other agencies.

b) Formulation of a draft bill for imposing cyber protection laws:
This will include cyber protection provisions in relation to the defense sector. It will also include provisions to establish a Sri Lanka Cyber Protection Agency to act with other cooperating agencies.

The proposals furnished by His Excellency the President as the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Technology have been given approval.
(Cabinet Decisions, 11 October 2021)

Progress Description

"The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and the Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) industry would be developed to make export earnings of USD 3 billion by 2025" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Colombo, Hambantota, Jaffna, and Trincomalee will be developed as four multi-dimensional commercial cities which connect the centers of the national and international network" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A Metro Rail system will be developed to link the satellite cities in the Colombo district including the Port City" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Colombo-Kandy Expressway and the Port city elevated highway project will be extended and finished connecting Kottawa, Battaramulla, and Peliyagoda as well" Budget Speech 2021: "Construction of the Port Access Elevated Expressway is now underway while the procurement procedures are at the final stages with regard to the Road from Kelani Bridge to Athurigiriya. A separate state company has been formed with the vesting of expressways and related assets, to ensure the development and maintenance of the expressway network in the country." [page 24]

A Cabinet Decision has given acknowledgement to the acquisition of lands and related discrepancies for the Port city expressway that runs on pillars.

(Cabinet decisions, 14 December 2020)

Central expressway cumulative physical progress, in June 2021, is as follows.
Section 01 - 8.3% (implemented properly with a delay)
Section 02 - 94.1% (implemented properly with a delay)
Section 03 - 8.7% (implemented properly with a delay)
Section 04 - 6.7% (slight drawback in implementation)

(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 42)

Port Access Elevated Highway cumulative physical progress, in June 2021 is 9.9% and has "largely deviated from target"

(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 42)

Additionally although there is discussion on the construction work of the second phase of Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala is expected to be vested with the public by November 15, no hard evidence to support this claim can be found. But as the seconfd phase is to be initiated one can assume that first phase is completed and ithe project is underway.

Source:
http://www.adaderana.lk/news/76831/second-phase-of-central-expressway-to-be-completed-by-nov

Progress Description

"The Northern and Ratnapura expressway will be completed" A Cabinet Decision has given acknowledgement to the acquisition of lands and related discrepancies for the Ruwanpura expressway that runs on pillars.

(Cabinet Decisions, 14 December 2020)

Ruwanpura expressway cumulative physical progress in June 2021 is 7% and is "implemented properly with a delay"

(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 42)

Progress Description

"Feasibility studies will be conducted to explore the possibility of having an elevated highway at 1000 feet connecting Kandy to Nuwara Eliya" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Existing canals will be developed for transportation and the Puttalam-Negombo Hamilton canal that was developed in 2013 and Wellawatte to Battaramulla network of canals will be added into the multi-modal transport action plan" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A single transport e-ticket system and a process will be introduced, and e-ticketing mechanism would be implemented for all public and private transport services" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Colombo-Panadura-Veyangoda, Ragama-KatunayakeNegombo, and Maradana -Homagama rail lines will be converted into electric train routes" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"E-ticketing system will be provided and introduced for all train transportation" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available

Progress Description

"Colombo-Katunayake and Hambantota-Mattala air and sea ports will be developed as commercial and passenger ports" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Colombo-Katunayake and Hambantota Mattala air and sea ports will be converted into free ports" Budget Speech 2021: "In order to promote the Colombo and Hambanthota ports as commodity trading hubs in international trading, and to encourage investments in bonded warehouses and warehouses related to offshore business I propose to exempt such investments from all taxes." [page 10]
No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The East Terminal development project will be prioritized and a feasibility study will be conducted to construct a new cross berth terminal between East Container Terminal and SAGT" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A network of three Container Depots would be developed in Peliyagoda, Veyangoda and Ratmalana" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The second runway and passenger terminal will be developed and a new Domestic passenger terminal will be developed to facilitate internal/ domestic flights" As per a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, approval has been granted in May 2019 to initiate the procurement process for the construction of Import Air-Cargo Terminal at Bandaranayake International Airport – Phase 1. Competitive bids have been called accordingly and considering the recommendation of the Procurement Appeal Board, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Tourism to award this contract to Nawaloka Constructions Ltd for Rs.2.37 billion.

(Cabinet Decisions, 05 October 2020)

By identifying the long-term delays and prioritizing the implementation of the BIA Terminal 2 construction project, the new Terminal-2 of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was ceremonially launched by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and His Excellency Akira Sugiyama, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka on 18th November 2020.

However the clause on this promise relating to domestic passengers has not yet seen implementation.

Source:
1. https://www.airport.lk/aasl/news/full_news?news_id=96&news_title=Vision%20of%20Prosperity%20Towards%20a%20Reality%20-%20BIA%20Terminal%202%20Construction%20Project%20Begins

Progress Description

"Mattala airport facilities will be upgraded while adding a new Taxiway and Cargo Terminal" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Country’s renewable energy mix is expected to be 40% of the total portfolio by 2030 and renewable energy together would account for 80% of the overall energy mix by 2030" Budget Speech 2021: ''The 'Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour' aims to ensure that by 2030 at least 70 percent of the total energy requirement of the country could be sourced through renewable sources" [page 25] "Up to now 300 MW of solar energy is added to the national grid and it is expected to add 1,000 MW capacity through local investments within the period 2021 – 2023. I propose to add a capacity of 500 MW to the grid, by providing solar panels generating 5 kW to 100,000 houses of low income families, through the loan schemes from the Asian Development Bank and the Indian Line of Credit, to supplement the government’s investments in the sector. I propose to increase renewable energy capacity to 1,000 MW by the expeditious implementation of both off shore wind and floating solar power plants exceeding 100 MW, with incentives provided by the Board of Investment'' [page 26]

Cumulative physical progress of ongoing/completed projects as of June 2021 is,
Construction of Moragolla Hydro power Plant - 26%
Broadland Hydro power Plant - 100%
Mannar Wind power Project - 99.1%

(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 47)

Progress Description

"The oil storage tanks in Trincomalee will be re-constructed and develop" No adaquate information is publicly available to assess the progress of this promise.
However, as of June 2021, the cumulative physical progress of the rehabilitation of 24 Tanks at Trincomalee Upper Tank Farm and reconstruction of associated facilities including two pipelines from the Tanker Berthing Jetty, is 0% and has 'largely deviated from target.'

(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects, Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 38)

Progress Description

"Actions will bel taken to add 230MW of power to the national grid by installing the Broadland hydropower station by 2020, Uma Oya by 2021, Moragolla by 2023, Talapitigala and Seethwaka by 2024" Cumulative physical progress of ongoing/completed projects as of June 2021 is,
Broadland Hydropower Plant - 100%
Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project - 99.5%
Construction of Moragolla Hydropower Plant - 26%

(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 44 and 47)

Progress Description

"Immediate actions will be taken to convert the Kelanitissa plant to a natural gas turbine plant" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Two natural gas turbine plants will be implemented in Kerawalapitiya and Hambantota before 2023" Budget Speech 2021: "In order to mitigate the
risk, it is planned to augment the capacity of the Lakvijaya Coal Fired Power Plant by 300 MW and to establish 2 natural gas power plants with a generation capacity of 600 MW. It is also planned to convert the Kerawalapitiya power plants as natural gas power plants and to establish an additional natural gas power plants with private ownership" [page 25]

The Cabinet of Ministers have given approval to a proposal made by the Minister of Power to select an investor to complete the project of constructing a 300MW Liquefied Natural Gas Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya in three years and to operate this power plant through a 'Built Own Operate Transfer' business method through private investment.

(Cabinet decisions, 16 September 2020)

Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers have accepted the proposal to award a 40% share of 310 MW Kerawalapitiya power plant for a sum of $ 350 million, also LNG supply to New Fortress Energy.

The Cabinet of Ministers by the decision No. CP 21/1230/304/106 and dated 05.07.2021 inter alia authorized the Secretary to the Treasury (ST) on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) to enter into a Framework Agreement (FA) with New Fortress Energy Company, a company listed in the NASDAQ and its affiliates (Herein referred to as NFE). As such on 07.07.2021 the FA was signed between the GOSL and the NFE.

Source:
1. https://www.ft.lk/columns/Govt-s-deal-with-Kerawalapitiya-power-plant-and-American-firm-Pros-and-Cons/4-723829
2. https://ceylontoday.lk/news/handing-over-40-of-kerawalapitiya-power-plant-to-a-us-firm-controversial-cabinet-memorandum

Progress Description

"Fuel-powered plants located around the Colombo area will be converted to natural gas turbine plants within 2020 (next year)" As of June 2021 'Construction of a Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (R-LNG) pipeline from Floating Storage Regasification Unit Kerawelapitiya and Kelanitissa Power Plants', is "Implemented properly with a delay" with a cumulative physical progress is 1.5%,

(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 38)

Progress Description

"100MW of wind energy will be added in Mannar by 2021" Budget Speech 2021: " I propose to increase renewable energy capacity to 1,000 MW by the expeditious implementation of both off shore wind and floating solar power plants exceeding 100 MW, with incentives provided by the Board of Investment. I propose to allow a tax holiday of 7 years for all renewable energy projects." [page 26] Mannar Wind power project cumulative physical progress as of June 2021 is 99.1%
(Progress of Large and Mega Scale Development Projects Second Quarter - Year 2021, Page 47)

According to a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, in a proposal relevant to the construction of a wind power plant in Mannar has been given approval in a manner that the construction contract be awarded to Hiruras Power on the basis of construction ownership and operation for 20 years operation basis.

(Cabinet decisions, 14 June 2021)

Source:
https://development.asia/insight/scaling-wind-power-sri-lanka

Progress Description

"800MW of solar energy will be added to the national grid by executing a wind and solar power project in potential locations around the country including Mannar, Poonareyn and Monaragala" Budget Speech 2021: ''Up to now 300 MW of solar energy is added to the national grid and it is expected to add 1,000 MW capacity through local investments within the period 2021 – 2023. I propose to add a capacity of 500 MW to the grid, by providing solar panels generating 5 kW to 100,000 houses of low income families, through the loan schemes from the Asian Development Bank and the Indian Line of Credit, to supplement the government’s investments in the sector. I propose to provide loans at an interest rate of 4 percent in this regard. This will facilitate the low income families to save the expenditure on electricity and also earn an extra income by supplying excess energy to the national grid. I propose to invest on installation of solar panels on roof tops of religious places, public institutions, hospitals, schools and defence establishments. I propose to facilitate private entrepreneurs at rural level, to install solar power plants connected to 10,000 transformers under the theme “Gamata Balagarayak - Gamata Vyavasakayek”. I propose to increase renewable energy capacity to 1,000 MW by the expeditious implementation of both off shore wind and floating solar power plants exceeding 100 MW, with incentives provided by the Board of Investment. I propose to allow a tax holiday of 7 years for all renewable energy projects." [page 26]

Preliminary steps have been taken to implement the Siyambalaanduwa Solar Power plant through checking feasibility, securing lands and evaluating the environment as per a cabinet decision . This is to be implemented as a single procurement of 100MW single power plant and transmission facilities, with the assistance of Asian Development Banks has been received to analyses on the procedure that should be followed to develop the power plant as well as finance it.

(Cabinet Decisions, 07 December 2020)

Additionally approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted to implement the procurement process for initiating solar power plants with a capacity of 150MWs in various places in the island.

(Cabinet Decisions, 08 February 2021)

Progress Description

"A committee consists of experts will be formed to execute a flood control mechanism with prevention and forewarning systems and water storage and pumping methods to dry areas through drainage and canals systems, by 2025" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"The Disaster Management Act will be revised" According to a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the proposal furnished by the Minister of Irrigation and the State Minister Internal Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management to amend the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No 13 of 2005 to suit present needs based on recommendations and suggestions of disaster management professionals as well as experiences in recent disasters have been given approval

(Cabinet Decisions, 21 September 2020)

Progress Description

"All required facilities and legal power will be provided to the National Building Research Organization while combining the Disaster Management Centre and the Disaster Relief Centre and institutionalizing a “Disaster Management Authority” with powers vested to act swiftly and responsibly under the Ministry of Disaster Management" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A 'National Disaster Database' including disaster-affected and potential disaster-prone areas, people, properties, businesses and agricultural lands to provide early warnings and to take preventive measures" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, a National Disaster Database has been listed as special priority under the State Ministry of National Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management.

The Disaster Information Management System is a sustainable arrangement within an institution for the systematic collection, documentation and analysis of data about losses caused by natural and man made disasters. Currently Sri Lanka maintains a profile in Desinventar which is a Disaster Information Management System in collaboration with the UNDP which was introduced in January 05 2011; which is a database on the past disaster incidents from 1974 to date.

Source:
http://www.desinventar.lk/

Progress Description

"An action plan will be formulated to safeguard the oceans from pollution including plastic pollution" Budget Speech 2021: "It is needed to reduce the effects to environment through single use polythene and plastics. Recycling of plastics needs to be made compulsory to promote the usage of glass, eco friendly, health appropriate and degradable material. I propose to ban the usage of single use polythene and plastics with effect from 01 January 2021 to ensure the management of polythene and plastic waste in an environmentally sensitive manner." [page 39] "Pollution in the river basins of the country is mainly caused by irregular human activities, urbanization and industrialization. Irregular disposal of polythene, plastic and fecal matter in to rivers and the contamination of rivers due to soil erosion and use of pesticides have become an environmental challenge. Therefore, I propose to allocate an additional amount of Rs. 200 million for identified priority programmes such as the prevention of irregular disposal of sewage and regulation of sand mining according to an established mechanism in line with the prescribed conservation requirements." [page 39]

No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Proactive measures will be taken to increase national forest cover by [to] 30%" Budget Speech 2021: "It is proposed to increase the forest coverage, by using the lands available on both sides of the roads, schools, government and private offices and urban environments coupled with the accelerated program of expanding the forest cover by 15,000 acres. It is proposed to strengthen the surveillance by the Sri Lanka Air Force to prevent illegal deforestation. The identified deforested lands will be reforested with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Rs. 3,500 million is proposed to be allocate for the accelerated forestation programme during 2021-2023." [page 40] No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

However, according to a decision taken by the Ministers of Cabinet, a procedure was introduced for using non-forest lands from the remaining forests under the Forest Conservation General for productive economic activities except for the conserved and protected forests."

(Cabinet Decisions, 26 October 2020)

A circular MWFC/1/2020 was issued on November 04th, 2020 providing the District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries the provision to use these lands for economic and other productive purposes without causing any harm to wildlife and the forests.

Forest areas that are not declared under any enactment (Forest Conservation Ordinance, Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance or the National Heritage Wilderness Areas Act), but are nevertheless forest areas that come under the purview of the Forest Conservation Department, are considered as “Other State Forests”.

Source:
https://msdw.gov.lk/files/resources/management-of-other-state-forests.pdf

Progress Description

"Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) will be carried out for each district in the island" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

" A quality certificate in relation to the purification process will be issued" Although a quality certificate in relation to the purification process of offshore sand have not been issued, the Cabinet of Ministers have taken a decision to 'reserve a borrow area for extracting off-shore sand from the sea - given consent to SL land development corporation to extract sand form off shore area of 61km^2 for a period of 10 years subjecting to Environmentl Impact Assessments.

(Cabinet Decisions, 09 November 2020)

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing have claimed in August 9, 2021 that the process of preparing the sea sand from the Muthurajawela sand yard for the use in the construction industry has been expedited.

In the website of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation website pertaining to off-shore sand sales in July 2019 prices have been listed, and Muthurajawela, Mudun Ela Kelaniya, Nawala Kiri mandala Mawatha and Attidiya have been named as sales outlets.

Source:
1. http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21B/Aug09_1628529218CH.php
2. https://landdevelopment.lk/web/sea-sand/

Progress Description

"Measures would be introduced to empower the arbitration process so that civil disputes could be settled at Mediation Boards instead of being taken to the courts of law" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A 'Higher Education Institute for Mass-media' on par with international standards will be set up under government patronage in order to produce media professionals with high professional skills" A Cabinet decision has been taken on Oct 5 2021 to establish a Mass Media Higher Education,Research and Training Institute as the "Institute of Chartered Journalists of Sri Lanka".

(Cabinet Decisions, 05 October 2021)

Progress Description

"Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation will be brought under a Commission that is accountable to the Parliament" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Press Council will be re-structured to cover electronic, print and other new media and made to adjudicate on matters relating to journalists and media institutions" The Sri Lanka Press Council has been established by the Sri Lanka Press Council Law No 05 of 1973 with the objective of preventing any prejudice to the public through press coverage and to establish a cordial relationship between journalists and the public.The provisions of that Act are restricted to the newspaper only.It has been identified that the Press Council should be structurally reformed and reorganized covering electronic,print and new media as a tribunal for journalists and media institutions and as a center that promote media education.

(Cabinet Decisions, 04 January 2021)

Progress Description

"A 'Digital Archeological Encyclopedia' that provides information on places of worship of archeological and historical significance belonging to all religions will be created" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Funding provision would increase to expand the Publication Assistance Project sponsored by the National Library and Documentation Services Board" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A special task force will be established to study the deep-rooted problems in the film industry and to propose the way forward for rapid revival" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A fully fledged art and sculpture exhibition theatre will be set up in the capital city" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A special regulatory body will be established under the Cultural Ministry to resolve problems and to address issues in 'bali thovil and shanthikarma' sector" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"All existing Samurdhi benefits provided for low income families will be increased" Budget Speech 2021: In order to support the programme to upgrade household economies centered around 200,000 Samurdhi families and thereby empower their villages, Rs.10,000 million will be allocated" [page 42]

No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"A social protection fund will be established to address the issues in health, religious and other current requirements of elderly community" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Two fully fledged rehabilitation centers will be established for first-time prisoners and prisoners who have been jailed for small offences" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Existing laws will be revisited to provide reasonable compensation for deaths and irreversible disabilities, due to road accidents" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"One people-centric center in each Grama sewa division will be established" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"'Punarjeewana Fund' will be launched to improve the livelihood and basic needs of people in Nothern and Eastern Provinces" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Jaffna will get its own 'Nelum Pokuna' to encourage youth to utilize their interests in the visual arts" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"Daily wage of the workers in the tea industry will be increased to Rs.1,000" Budget Speech 2021:d. I also propose to increase the daily
wage of plantation workers to Rs.1,000 from January 2021'' [Page 24]

According to a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the proposal furnished by the Minister of Labour to increase the daily wage of the employees in the estate sector has been approved.
(Cabinet Decisions, 25 January 2021)

Previously the estate workers were eligible for a daily wage of 750 LKR including a fixed price allowance of 50 LKR and another allowance named over kilo rate if the fixed weight of kilograms exceeds a certain number; in relation to productivity.

However, although this wage rate seems rational with the current cost of living, Regional Plantation Companies seem unable to meet this pay demand with the industry volatility and high costs,

Two productivity related revenue models have been presented by RPCs; one where workers will earn Rs. 50 for every kilo of tea leaves plucked, the other being the revenue share model where workers can become entrepreneurs. Trade Unions this considered the 33% wage hike a non-negotiable demand.

Promise partially completed on the basis that a cabinet decision has been taken.

Progress Description

"An 'Agricultural Institute' will be implemented to impart agricultural research knowledge and modern technical knowledge" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.

Progress Description

"An industrial zone will be established, covering the whole estate sector" No information on the progress of this promise is publicly available.