August 14, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has approved a reduction in water tariffs, resulting in decreased rates for various sectors. Domestic users will see a 7% reduction in their water tariffs, government hospitals will benefit from a 4.5% reduction, and schools and religious places of worship will experience a 6.3% decrease.
Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, announced the decision during a media briefing at the Government Information Department. He stated that the tariff reduction aligns with the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has been using the current water billing system since January 8, 2023. The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval on July 15, 2024, to implement a new charges policy and matrix to review these tariffs.
The decision to reduce water tariffs comes after the Ceylon Electricity Board lowered electricity charges on July 16, 2024, and in light of declining costs for fuel, chemicals, and interest. As a result, the Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Facilities Minister proposed the resolution to revise the water charges, which received Cabinet approval.
