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Precautions to be taken to ensure water supply

04 Nov 2021

  • No impact from power sector protest 
BY Buddhika Samaraweera Claiming that the trade union action initiated on 3 November by several trade unions including those of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) against the transfer of shares of the Yugadanavi Power Plant to a US-based company, had not had any adverse impact on the water supply, the Water Supply Ministry said however that it would take necessary precautions to avoid possible issues with regard to the water supply in the future. Water Supply Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara recently told the media that the water supply could be disrupted due to the said trade union action taken by the relevant trade unions. However, when contacted by The Morning, Water Supply Ministry Secretary Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama said: “Despite the Minister saying so, we have taken the necessary precautions. In this situation, we will continue to take such precautions and so far, no issues have been reported with the water supply.” Dr. Wickrama further said that discussions were held with the relevant trade unions, adding that the NWSDB trade unions had only given nominal support to the said trade union action. “There is no issue, unless there is a sudden pipe burst or something and the water supply is then interrupted,” he said. Trade unions within several state institutions including the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), and the NWSDB staged a protest on 3 November, in protest over the Government’s recent decision to transfer shares of the Kerawalapitiya Power Plant to a US company. They have warned that they would eventually engage in a trade union strike action if the Government fails to suspend the said decision.


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