The gazette on the increase in the water rate has increased the tariff from the previous Rs.85 per MT to Rs.150 per MT, Manufacturers Association Chairman Dhammika Fernando said

He noted that in this respect they have been in discussion with the Water Board authorities and are to collectively meet the Treasury authorities as well.

Further, the private sector has agreed to collaborate in reusing water resources and rain water harvesting.

Mr. Fernando explained that similar to the electricity tariff the water tariff will also now be higher than the rest of the region. In this respect the unit cost will increase by 10-15 per cent.

The Board of Investment (BOI) has also agreed to try and obtain some concession for the factories through a reduction in the distribution cost and try to remove the VAT on the supply of water through the BOI, he said. Factories also get an independent supply from the Water Board.