2022-11-19
News Categories : Committee News
The officials of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board suggested the need to revise the water tariff in a cost-effective manner to the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Water Supply.
The officials of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board pointed out that a liter of water is still given to consumers for about 2 cents and although it has recently been increased to 5 cents, the cost of processing a liter of water is about 12 to 14 cents. Because of this, the officials pointed out that the water charges should be revised in a way that suits the cost.
This was discussed at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Water Supply which met recently (Nov. 17) under the Chairmanship of Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Water Supply.
The officials further mentioned that despite the recent increase in water charges, the cost of water supply has increased by 50% compared to the previous amount. Therefore, the officials pointed out that the current water tariff is not sufficient compared to the cost. In view of the current economic crisis, it is difficult to allocate money for water projects, and if any money is saved by revising the water charges, that amount can be allocated for water projects the officials present said.
The Minister mentioned that attention will be paid towards the revision of water charges for parties other than low-income earners, Samurdhi beneficiaries and the elderly.
Furthermore, there was a discussion about levying tax on drinking water bottles to the government and the current progress of water projects in different parts of the island.
Minister Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, State Ministers Hon. Sanath Nishantha, Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Hon. Kanaka Herath, Hon. Geetha Kumarasinghe, Members of Parliament Hon. Kapila Athukorala, Hon. U. K. Sumith Udukumbura, Hon. S. Jagath Samarawickramawas, Hon. Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Hon. Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, Hon. Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha, Hon. Madhura Withanage, Hon. Sudath Manjula, Hon. Chandima Weerakkody, Hon. Charles Nirmalanathan, Hon. M. S. Thowfeek, Hon. Sampath Athukorala, Hon. Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Hon. Waruna Liyanage, Hon. (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya were present at the Committee meeting held.
2026-06-19
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Environment focused its attention on the issue of water pollution in the Kelani River when it met in Parliament recently (10th June) under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi.During the meeting, the Committee was briefed on the progress of discussions being held with companies that have expressed willingness to invest in a project aimed at cleaning the waters of the Kelani River.The Committee also discussed a number of proposals and other issues raised by Hon. Members of Parliament.The meeting was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament and officials.
2026-06-18
A meeting of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus was held in Parliament recently to discuss the importance of incorporating Gender-Responsive Budgeting into Sri Lanka’s national budget formulation process and to examine the challenges associated with its implementation.The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson of the Caucus and Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also participated in the discussion.A key concern raised during the discussion was the lack of adequate data and indicators to accurately assess and measure women’s economic contributions within the budgetary process. Drawing on examples of approaches adopted in India and other countries, members of the Caucus underscored the need to identify and address existing systemic and technical gaps in Sri Lanka’s budgeting framework.The Caucus also emphasized the importance of disaggregating data by gender in project reporting and strengthening digital data management systems to support such efforts. It was further noted that identifying relevant gender-related considerations at the initial stages of project design and implementation at the ministerial level would facilitate more effective project analysis, monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes.The need to move away from existing traditional and time-consuming methods towards formal online systems and data-driven analytical tools was also emphasized.The current progress and challenges in integrating Gender-Responsive Budgeting into Sri Lanka’s public financial policy were discussed in detail during the meeting.It was also emphasized that such budgeting should not be limited to nominal percentages in documents, but that the need to establish a formal framework and data system to ensure it has a real and practical impact was also highlighted.The Hon.Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemalee Weerasekera, Hon. Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Co-Vice Chairpersons of the Caucus, Hon. Members of Parliament Chamindrani Kiriella, Attorney at Law and Samanmalee Gunasinghe, Hon. Members of Parliament Thushari Jayasinghe, Attorney at Law, Krishnan Kaleichelvi, Sagarika Athauda ,Attorney at Law, Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law, Ambika Samivel and Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, along with a group of officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, also participated in the event.
2026-06-17
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government met recently (Jun. 12) at Parliament under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna.During the meeting, Members of Parliament discussed a range of issues and proposals relating to their respective electorates, as well as several other matters of public importance.Hon. Members of Parliament and officials were present at the meeting.
2026-06-17
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs met recently (Jun. 09) at Parliament under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.During the meeting, Members of Parliament discussed a number of proposals and issues, including reviewing the progress of discussions initiated with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and the Department of Examinations regarding the formulation of regulations to prevent the conduct of private tuition classes on Sunday mornings, thereby facilitating the holding of Dhamma School classes on Sundays.The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Ministers, Hon. Members of Parliament and officials.
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