The Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply has confirmed that water charges will not increase this year, with a comprehensive review of tariffs scheduled for January 2027.
Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe has provided assurance that water tariffs will remain stable throughout 2026, dismissing concerns about potential price increases. Speaking to media at the Kandy District Secretariat, the Minister indicated that any decision regarding tariff adjustments—whether increases, reductions, or maintenance of current rates—will be deferred until a formal review takes place in January 2027.
The government has committed substantial resources to water infrastructure development this year, with approximately Rs. 2 billion allocated to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board specifically for projects in the Kandy District. These investments will focus on installing new water pipes, repairing deteriorating pipelines, and enhancing purification facilities to improve service delivery.
According to the Minister, various water supply initiatives are currently underway in the district, though some projects have been temporarily suspended while new proposals undergo review. The Water Supply and Drainage Board is prioritizing the assessment of these proposals to address persistent public concerns regarding drinking water access and quality.
Regarding environmental threats, the Minister stated that current water sources managed by both the Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Department of Community Planning have not yet experienced negative impacts from El Niño conditions. However, contingency plans are being developed to mitigate potential disruptions should the weather phenomenon affect water availability in the coming months.
