January 13, Colombo (LNW): Water Supply and Drainage Minister Jeevan Thondaman has affirmed that if the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) follows through with its plan to lower electricity charges next month, he will reciprocate by reducing water charges accordingly.
Thondaman disclosed this commitment during a media briefing held in Kandy, citing an assurance from Power Minister Kanchana Wijesekera regarding the impending reduction in electricity charges. He asserted that the reduction in water charges would be proportional to the percentage decrease in electricity charges.
Emphasizing the operational formula used to calculate expenses associated with producing and distributing drinking water, Minister Thondaman clarified that water charges are determined based on this established system. He underscored the substantial financial burden on the Water Supply Board for electricity costs.
Highlighting the historical context, Thondaman noted that the Water Board had faced additional costs whenever electricity charges were increased, such as the 66% surge in January 2019. He iterated that the proposed reduction in electricity charges provides an opportunity to lower water charges for consumers, aligning with the established formula.
