13 August 2024 02:07 pm Views - 560
Addressing the media, he said the Cabinet proposal regarding the above was presented by Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman.
The formula was introduced according to an agreement with the IMF. The government, corporations, and statutory bodies have already worked to implement a price policy that reflects the new costs.
The price formula was introduced as a 'cost-reflective price formula'. Considering the past tariff reductions on fuel and electricity, there is a possibility of reducing the current water tariff as well.
Therefore, Minister Thondaman introduced a price formula for the water tariff of to be reduced by 10 percent for low-income household units. Later, the tariff will be reduced by 7% for domestic categories except the Samurdhi subsidy beneficiaries and plantation line houses, by 4.5 percent for government hospitals and by 6.3 percent for schools and religious places of worship.
Since the electricity tariffs have been reduced by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) since July 16, 2024, and considering the reduction in fuel, chemicals and interest costs, the proposal for the water tariff revision has been submitted by the Estate Infrastructure Development Minister.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has implemented the existing water charges as of August 1, 2023, and the Cabinet meeting held on July 15, 2024, approved the tariff policy and formula for reviewing the charges.