Despite employees working on a contractual basis for manpower companies at National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) sites and offices nationwide demanding permanent employment, the NWSDB stated that it is unable to accommodate this request due to the Government's recruitment policy.

According to unions representing these employees, around 2,000 workers have been employed across the country under various manpower companies for nearly 25 years. Many of these employees are graduates and highly educated individuals. They believe that despite their qualifications, they are not offered permanent positions because top Board members receive substantial tips from the contract agencies to which they are assigned. Additionally, the NWSDB pays a 15% commission to the contract companies based on the daily wages of the employees.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (23), the NWSDB Chairperson Nishantha Ranatunga stated that the NWSDB has no issue with an employee shortage as there is no necessity of new recruitments. "The NWSDB functions well with the adequate number of employees, so, there is no need for new recruitments," said Ranatunga. He further stated that similar to other public institutions, the NWSDB must adhere to the Government's recruitment policy, and that therefore, no new recruitments or changes in employment status would be implemented. Ranatunga highlighted the NWSDB's stance on maintaining current staffing levels in compliance with Government regulations. He reiterated that the Board is operating efficiently with the current workforce, thus negating the need for additional permanent hires.