The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I wish to clarify a statement that misled Parliament and the public by creating fear among water consumers that the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) supplies drinking water containing carcinogens in high concentration.

¶ 02 Hydrated lime is used in water purification to remove ions such as calcium and magnesium, to raise pH and to increase water softness. The NWSDB uses these in compliance with SLS 1577:2017 standards. For use in all its water treatment plants, NWSDB called tenders by public notice on 2024.05.01 to supply 1,500 metric tons of hydrated lime. After technical evaluation and procurement procedures, the tender was awarded on 2024.07.31 to the lowest bidder among five, Ceegreen Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, and a contract was signed on 2024.09.05.

¶ 03 At the time of tender, SLS standards specified a maximum chromium content of 10 mg per kg in hydrated lime. This was included in the tender specifications. The supplier delivered 380 MT as the first consignment. As usual, NWSDB chemists check compliance both prior to shipment and upon receipt. Upon receipt, laboratory tests at four locations — Ambatale, Biyagama, Kalatuwawa and Ratmalana — found chromium content exceeding 10 mg/kg, in the range of 11–14 mg/kg. Therefore, samples were referred to nine laboratories for further analysis: Ambatale, Biyagama, Kandana, Hapugala, Labugama, Kalatuwawa, Baddegama, Kethehena and Ratmalana. Using two methods — composite sampling termed “certified and sub-sample” method — results indicated chromium at 11.3 mg/kg.

¶ 04 At tender calling, SLS specified max chromium 10 mg/kg. However, on 2024.07.26, SLS raised the permissible maximum to 12 mg/kg. Many countries allow higher limits than Sri Lanka: for example, some European countries and Singapore allow 20 mg/kg, and New Zealand 150 mg/kg; India commonly does not test, but its numeric specification is 50 mg/kg.

¶ 05 Finally, I stress: - NWSDB has not accepted this consignment; no letter of acceptance of goods has been issued. - As it is presently deemed non-compliant, none of this consignment has been used in any water treatment plant in Sri Lanka. - Even though it would be usable under the updated SLS limit of 12 mg/kg, we have disregarded that and can require the contractor, per tender conditions, to replace or re-export and supply compliant material.

¶ 06 Therefore, in my view, statements made on incomplete information that created unwarranted public alarm should not have been made by any public representative. Regardless of other allegations, the NWSDB will continue to ensure safe, clean drinking water for consumers.

¶ 07 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for the time given.