No plans for another water tariff hike: Minister

• Plans to rollout water tariff formula from January 

Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman

Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman assured that there are no plans to increase the water tariffs. 

“Following the water tariff hike in August 2023, there will be no further increases. The focus is now on developing a cost recovery formula, a collaborative effort with the Water Board, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) project, an integral part of a policy-based sub-program,” he said. 

He said this sub-program aims to contribute $ 100 million to the centralised budget upon completion. The Minister refuted the recent rumours speculating about the current formula’s intention to guarantee fair water access while safeguarding those in vulnerable segments of society. These individuals are beneficiaries of social welfare programs such as Samurdhi and Aswasuma, and this speculation is seen in light of the upcoming elections.

The Minister emphasised that notably, of the approximately 2.96 million connections within the Water Board, the estate sectors are excluded, as they fall under the Rural Community Water Supply Department. This department extends its services not only to the estate community but to all rural areas, working closely with 5,000 community-based organisations. Therefore, the water tariff in question applies exclusively to Water Board consumers. 

In addition to water-related matters, Thondaman shared that the Ministry of Estate Infrastructure is preparing to commemorate the Upcountry community’s contributions to the nation spanning 200 years on 2 November. The Ministry is also actively engaged in initiatives aimed at benefiting the Upcountry community. 

A charter, featuring seven committees, has been formed within the Ministry to address a wide range of issues specific to the plantation sector. These committees are dedicated to economic upliftment of women and children, on gender equality, health, education, sports and other activities. This charter will serve as a comprehensive guideline for all ministries, offering insights into how to address the unique concerns of the Upcountry community and reintegrate them into Sri Lankan society, ending their isolation within the plantation sector.

Thondaman underlined the significance of the Upcountry community, consisting of approximately 200,000 estate working families and roughly about 150,000-200,000 workers. Further an additional 800,000 to 1.2 million individuals who are part of their families, reside within the estates. He stressed the importance of recognising not only estate workers but also the broader community and their identities in these endeavours.