However, the water demand of the area has been increased due to the airport, Export Processing Zones in Biyagama and Katunayake and buildings of the security forces.

The government said the need has arised to build another water treatment plant with a capacity of 180,000 cubic meters, and other necessary infrastructure which includes the supplying and laying of treated water pumping main, 25 km long transmission line, construction of Wee Oya reservoir and supply and installation of inflatable rubber balloons for a salinity barrier.

The Cabinet of ministers last week gave approval for Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake to enter into an agreement with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank of France to obtain financial assistance for the project.