Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe has assured that water tariffs will not be increased during 2026.
The Minister said a review of water tariffs is scheduled for January 2027, at which point a decision will be taken on whether to increase, reduce, or maintain current charges.
He made the remarks while speaking to the media after a discussion at the Kandy District Secretariat on drinking water issues.
Minister Ranasinghe noted that approximately Rs. 2 billion has been allocated to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board this year for projects in the Kandy District. These include laying new pipelines, repairing existing ones, and upgrading purification centers.
He added that several projects have already been launched to address drinking water problems in the district, while some have been temporarily halted and new proposals submitted. The Water Supply and Drainage Board is reviewing all of these to take urgent steps to resolve public concerns.
The Minister further stated that the El Niño weather condition has not yet affected water sources managed by the Water Supply and Drainage Board or the Department of Community Planning, but contingency measures are being prepared to address any future impact. (Newswire)