Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development – Jeevan Thondaman has stated that discussions are underway with regard to the formulation of a water tariff.
With the major domestic category comprising 75% and Samurdhi at 1.58%, the government aims to prioritize these sectors over industries, albeit without pressuring them, the minister said.
Addressing a media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (27), Minister Thondaman said discussions are still in progress, considering two parallel formulas – one focused on cost recovery and the other on cost reflection.
The final draft of the tariff formula is expected in December, with a commitment to avoiding unnecessary burden on the public.
There is a possibility of an increased tariff rate for commercial institutions, with an emphasis on ensuring fair rates for charitable institutions, hospitals and schools.
To further deliberate on these crucial decisions, a meeting has been requested with Ministers Dilum Amunugama and Shehan Semasinghe. The outcome of these discussions will be communicated, leading to a vote on the proposed tariff.