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ஜெனரல்
Sri Lanka may consider reducing water prices due to lower energy costs following the sharp appreciation of the rupee, according to Minister of Water Supply Jeevan Thondaman. The government of President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been implementing IMF-led pricing policies on utilities, with the Water Supply Ministry developing a formula with the help of the Asian Development Bank, though it has yet to be implemented. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS & DB) sharply increased water tariffs in August 2023, citing higher operating costs due to increased interest payments on bank loans and higher electricity prices. Thondaman noted that energy costs were a significant factor in the 14% increase in water prices three months ago, but with the recent drop in the dollar rate, a reduction in water prices might be imminent.
The last tariff revision led to consumers facing a 30-50 percent increase in their water bills. In January, Thondaman assured that any downward revision would be implemented without further increases, considering the high cost of living. Following the reduction in fuel prices, the Energy Ministry cut electricity tariffs two months ago. The Sri Lankan rupee appreciated by 9.1 percent against the US dollar in the first four months of the year, according to central bank data. The Minister's statement comes ahead of presidential elections expected between September 17 and October 16, as public sentiment grows over the benefits of the rupee's appreciation.
