Water tariffs to be reduced, decision this week: Minister

Colombo, July 17 (Daily Mirror)- Water tariffs will be reduced alongside the new electricity tariff revision and the decision regarding the extent of the reduction will be announced by the end of this week, Water Supply Minister Jeevan Thondaman said today.

The Minister made these remarks during the 'Collective Path to a Stable Country' media briefing today at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC).

He also highlighted that the Water Supply Board, previously experiencing a monthly loss of Rs. 2.8 billion, has now achieved a profit of Rs. 6.2 billion.

"Water availability is influenced by various factors. We were previously committed to lowering water tariffs in tandem with reductions in electricity charges. Currently, the Ministry is not only focusing on electricity but also assessing the impact of reduced interest rates, down from 26% to 11%. We are studying the potential reduction in water tariffs based on changes in the US dollar exchange rate as well," he said.

"We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable and economically disadvantaged communities from the impact of water tariffs. Measures have been implemented to provide subsidies to hospitals, schools and religious institutions classified as charitable entities," he said.