2023-07-20
News Categories : Committee News
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development took into discussion the water tariff increase, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s water supply and safeguarding access to clean drinking water for all Sri Lankans.
This was taken into discussion at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development held yesterday (Jul. 19) in Parliament Chaired by Hon. Jeevan Thondaman, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development.
Following the Cabinet of Ministers approval for the said, the Minister stated that this decision comes after careful consideration and extensive discussions, as it is necessary to address the pressing challenges faced by the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) and to maintain the quality of water services. The Minister stated this in response to inquiries raised by Members of Parliament.
Moreover, Hon. Jeevan Thondaman stated that the water tariff increase is driven by several factors that have placed immense strain on the finances of the NWSDB including the recent increase in electricity tariffs in January this year, which constitute a significant portion of the cost of water production, resulting in monthly losses amounting to Rs. 500 million.
Additionally, the burden of debt (due to past capital expenditure to expand water infrastructure), exacerbated by currency depreciation and interest rate hikes, together with the exponential increase in the cost of raw materials required to treat water, has led to further monthly losses of nearly Rs. 2.8 billion.
Accordingly, the Minister explained that without the tariff increase, the NWSDB will suffer an annual loss of Rs. 34 billion, placing its financial sustainability at risk and hindering its ability to deliver reliable and safe water services to the nation.
The Minister further stated that in line with the Sri Lankan Government's commitment to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the pursuit of sustainable development, a new water tariff formula and policy will soon be introduced. Furthermore, though the tariff increase may raise concerns in a country already grappling with economic hardships, the Minister stated that it is important for the long-term viability of the nation’s water sector.
The Minister further elaborating on the above, stated that the Ministry is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
Accordingly, Samurdhi and Tenement consumers, representing the lowest socioeconomic backgrounds, will not see any tariff increases and will therefore continue to receive the necessary subsidies, alleviating any additional financial burden. Thus, the proposed tariff increase includes provisions to subsidize low water consumers, schools, hospitals and religious establishments aiming to support those who consume less water, come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and provide essential social services. The monthly water bills of low water consumers will remain below Rs. 1000 (Rs. 33 a day), the Minister said.
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development also took into discussion various concerns pertaining to the water supply in different areas of the country. The Minister directed the relevant authorities and officials present to look into the concerns raise with immediate effect.
2026-01-29
Agreement to commence operations using existing resources of the Sri Lanka Foundation and the National Film CorporationEstablishment of a technical committee representing all stakeholders to plan next stepsSteps to revive the Colombo International Film Festival this yearDiscussions on constructing a modern, technologically equipped film studio complexPreliminary discussions on establishing a National Film School in Sri Lanka were held recently (Jan. 22) under the leadership of the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs.The meeting was chaired by the Hon. Member of Parliament Jagath Manuwarna, Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs, and was attended by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne. Officials representing the National Film Corporation, the State Cinema Advisory Board, and the Sri Lanka Foundation participated in the meeting, along with representatives from the Film Directors’ Guild, Art Directors’ Guild, Screenwriters’ Guild, SAARC Cultural Center, university academics specializing in film studies, and a number of professionals from the cinema industry.During the meeting, officials, film professionals, and academics presented their views and proposals regarding the establishment of a National Film School. It was emphasized that the institution should go beyond theoretical instruction and offer programs focused on producing practically skilled filmmakers. The need to operate the school in accordance with international standards of film education was also discussed.Although the establishment of a National Film School has been a long-standing discussion aimed at uplifting the local film industry, it has yet to be realized. In this context, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus stressed the importance of initiating the school through the collective involvement of all relevant stakeholders, making use of existing resources, and strengthening the institution progressively over time.Accordingly, discussions were held on taking initial steps to establish the National Film School by utilizing existing resources of the Sri Lanka Foundation, which operates under the Ministry of Mass Media, and the National Film Corporation, which functions under the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. It was also decided to establish a committee to prepare the legal framework, obtain necessary initial approvals, and plan the required preliminary actions.As a result, a technical committee comprising representatives from the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Sri Lanka Foundation, the National Film Corporation, the State Cinema Advisory Board, and representatives of the cinema industry was established.The committee includes the Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus Hon. MP Jagath Manuwarna, Chairman of the National Film Corporation Sudath Mahadivulwewa, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation Prof. Seetha Bandara, Chairman of the State Cinema Advisory Board Dr. Senesh Dissanayake Bandara, Director of SAARC Cultural Center Dr. Kaushalya Kumarasinghe along with several representatives from the film sector.In addition, another committee consisting of senior professionals in the cinema industry was appointed to plan academic activities, including the curriculum of the film school.Attention was also drawn to reviving the currently inactive ‘International Film Festival, Colombo’ (IFF Colombo) during this year. Accordingly, agreement was reached on securing the necessary funding and establishing an institution to ensure the long-term, sustainable operation of the festival. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus, Hon. MP Jagath Manuwarna, stated that he is prepared to provide the necessary support and intervention for all these initiatives.Furthermore, discussions were held on constructing a modern, technologically advanced studio complex to support film production activities. The need to identify a suitable land area close to Colombo and the future steps required for this project were also considered.Members of Parliament of the Parliamentary Caucus on Arts and Cultural Affairs, including Prof. Sena Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law Susantha Dodawatte, Attorney-at-Law Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Ruwan Mapalagama, Sugath Wasantha de Silva, Attorney-at-Law Hiruni Wijesinghe, Dinesh Hemantha, Upul Kithsiri, and several other MPs, also participated in the meeting.
2026-01-28
An institutional review of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) and the Jaffna Teaching Hospital was conducted at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media and Women’s Empowerment.The committee met in Parliament on 21.01.2026, under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe.Accordingly, the review of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol was taken up first. Officials of the Authority informed the committee that approximately 22,000 people die annually due to tobacco and alcohol consumption, and that the country incurs an annual economic loss of Rs. 225–240 billion as a result.They further stated that steps are currently being taken to amend the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act by incorporating the necessary legal provisions to effectively address this situation.The officials emphasized that 104 countries worldwide have banned the sale of cigarettes individually, and highlighted the importance of implementing a similar law in Sri Lanka. They pointed out that when cigarettes are sold individually, the health warnings displayed on cigarette packaging are not visible to consumers.Additionally, the officials stressed the importance of imposing taxes on cigarettes after determining their prices.Commenting on the matter, the Chair of the Committee stated that the committee is prepared to provide the necessary support for the proposed amendments to the Act and for other programmes of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol.Subsequently, an institutional review of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital was conducted. Hospital authorities briefed the committee on the current status of the hospital. They pointed out that there is a growing need for additional staff in order to further improve and expand medical treatments and services currently being provided.They also informed the committee of the need to upgrade the Jaffna Teaching Hospital to the status of a National Hospital. Responding to this, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health stated that Sri Lanka currently has three National Hospitals, and that steps are expected to be taken in the near future to elevate the Jaffna Teaching Hospital to National Hospital status after fulfilling the required criteria.The Chair of the Committee also highlighted the need to reassess staffing requirements at the hospital.Furthermore, hospital authorities requested the committee to facilitate the appointment of an internal auditor to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in order to ensure transparency in hospital administration and overall operations.Hon. Deputy Chair of the Committees Hemali Weerasekara, committee members Hon. MPs Attorney-at-Law Dayasiri Jayasekara, Muneer Mulaffer, Samanmali Gunasinghe, (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara, (Dr.) S. Sri Bhavanandarajah, (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna and with the permission of the Chair, Hon. MPs (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna and (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam were present at the committee meeting.Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, officials of the Ministry, the Director of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital along with administrative officers, and the Chairman and officials of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol.
2026-01-27
Decision taken to conclude investigations within three monthsSelect Committee of Parliament to look into and Report to Parliament on the release of 323 Containers from the Port of Colombo without undergoing mandatory physical inspection and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, has decided to meet every Wednesday at 2.00 p.m. to conduct its investigations.This decision was taken at the inaugural meeting of the Committee, held on 21.01.2026, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law, Harshana Nanayakkara. Accordingly, the Committee is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, 28.01.2026, at 2.00 p.m.During the meeting, a preliminary discussion was held on the manner in which the future proceedings of the Committee should be conducted and on the parties to be summoned before it. Committee Members expressed their views in this regard. The Chairman stated that the Committee expects to conclude its investigations within a period of three months.The meeting was attended by Hon. Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Hon. Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Hon. Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, Hon. Deputy Minister of Power Arkam Ilyas and Hon. Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Dayasiri Jayasekara, Ajith P. Perera, D. V. Chanaka, Mujibur Rahuman, Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran and Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.
2026-01-27
Committee requests quality reports on coal consignments in three imported vesselsMatters relating to coal imported to Sri Lanka for electricity generation were examined at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development.This review took place when the Committee met in Parliament recently under the Chairmanship of Hon. S. M. Marikkar, Member of Parliament.Officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited were summoned to attend the Committee meeting.During the meeting, the Committee sought clarifications from officials regarding the procedures followed in the coal importation process. Particular attention was paid to the procedures adopted during the most recent coal imports, and officials were questioned in detail on this matter.The Chairman of the Committee inquired whether any issues had arisen concerning the quality of the coal most recently imported into the country. In response, officials informed the Committee that samples from three coal vessels that arrived in Sri Lanka had been sent to India for quality testing, and that accurate information could be provided once the relevant reports were received.Accordingly, the matter was discussed at length during the Committee proceedings. The Chairman stated that the former Chairman of Lanka Coal (Private) Limited, who was involved in the processes related to the importation of these coal consignments, would be summoned before the Committee at its next meeting.In addition, the Chairman instructed officials to submit to the Committee, on the same day of the next meeting, the quality reports of the coal in the three vessels that arrived in Sri Lanka, as well as the laboratory reports conducted in Sri Lanka on the quality of coal contained in the most recently arrived vessel.Members of the Committee, Hon. Members of Parliament Ajith P. Perera, and Hon. Chathura Galappaththi were present at the meeting.
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