The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the answers are as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes. The cause is the inadequacy of the water production capacity supplied by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB). In Galle District, daily production is 106,100 cubic metres. Non-revenue water is 31,830 cubic metres (30%). Thus, only 74,270 cubic metres are available for consumption. There are 146,600 active water connections in the district. Due to insufficient production, continuous supply is difficult in some areas.

¶ 03 (ii) We have planned a water treatment plant of 30,000 cubic metres per day from the Hapugala intake, estimated at Rs. 37 billion. Approval from the NWSDB Board has been obtained and it has been referred to the National Procurement Agency for approval. We have also held initial discussions to obtain foreign financing, with preliminary concurrence given. We expect to commence this project in 2027.

¶ 04 (iii) Although a 50,000 cubic litre water tank construction was initiated, the economic crisis of 2021–2023 halted it. As an initial step now, we plan the 30,000 m³/day treatment plant and have secured preliminary approvals.

¶ 05 (iv) As stated, due to the economic crisis the earlier tank project was halted. After assuming office, we revisited the requirement and are proceeding with a treatment plant. We believe upon completion it will meet drinking water needs in the Galle District — notably in the coastal belt and adjacent areas — and even in some inland parts.

¶ 06 (b) Not applicable.