Water Tariffs Increased By 4% Due to VAT Increase

The Treasury yesterday(10) issued directives to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board to increase the water tariffs in accordance with the recent VAT amendment.

General Manager of the National Water Board Ranjith Balasuriya confirmed that the existing 11% VAT on water tariffs will be increased to 15%.

Accordingly the charge for 30 units of water will rise from 1,520 rupees to 1,575 rupees.

State Minister of Urban Planning and Water Supply Sudarshani Fernandopulle said  the water tariffs will be increased by 4%  from this month to compensate the recent 15% Value Added Tax amendment. Those who consume 10 or less units of water will be increased by  8 rupees with this month’s water bill.

Minister Fernandopulle said a majority of households in the country consume less than 30 units of water adding that the increase in water tariffs for such households will be between 8 and 12 rupees according to calculations of the Water Board.