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Tax on drinking wells

19 October 2012 12:37 am - 204     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankans who dig traditional or tube wells to obtain water for drinking, agriculture, commercial or industrial purposes will have to obtain an annual permit from the Water Resources Board (WRB) at fees ranging from Rs.7,500 to Rs.15,000.

This is in keeping with the set of far reaching amendments to be introduced by the government to the Water Resources Board Act of 1964.

WRB Chairman Bandula Munasinghe told Daily Mirror yesterday the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva would submit the relevant Cabinet paper for approval and this would have a major effect on the country’s water resources, its management, preservation and utilisation.

According to the new amendments prior approval would be required to dig agricultural wells with a diameter of more than 12 feet, water projects for domestic use of few families, tube wells for domestic or agricultural purposes, water projects for drinking water bottling plants, natural or ground water resources utilised for soft drinks or related industries and the use of natural or ground water resources for industrial purposes such as car washing or laundry services.

The new laws will also apply to state, semi-government or private establishments and prior registration issued annually by the WRB will be required for the use of water for whatever the purpose might be.

Private or government establishments that use ground or natural water resources for bottling of drinking water are required to obtain a purification test report from the WRB every six months following a sample analysis. These institutions must also pay a royalty to the WRB if the bottling plant if it exceeds the use of more than 300,000 liters a month.

Rs.7,500 will be charged for the first 100,000 liters above 300,000 liters, Rs.10,000 for quantities between 400,000 litres – 500,000 litres, Rs.12,500 for 500,000 to 600,000 litres and five cents for every litre for bottle water exceeding 600,000 litres.

The registration fee for tube wells’ suppliers or diggers and water bottling plants is Rs.15,000 and their annual renewal fee is Rs.10,000. The WRB will be empowered to manage,  regulate and control all natural and ground water resources in the country and permitted to enter any establishment that use water as their main asset for any purpose to inspect, monitor or regulating purposes and issue guidelines or directives.

Those establishments or individuals who violate the new regulations are liable for the suspension or prohibition of the registration and thereby the production or provision of services. All assets will be forfeited if any establishment continues its production or provision of services despite the suspension or prohibition under the new laws.

Strict regulations will be introduced to protect and preserve water resources ranging from rivers, tanks and tube wells to streams and canals that prevent releasing, leaking or dumping of chemicals, fertilizer, insecticides or pesticides, solid or soluble waste, sewage or any material that could pollute surface or ground water.

Mr. Munasinghe said the purpose of the new regulations was to protect water resources of the country for future generations as it has become one of the highly endangered commodities due to its haphazard use and environment pollution.

“Clean water will become the most precious natural resource on earth in the next 40 to 50 years and therefore, it is the responsibility of the present generation to take action to preserve and protect it for the future generation now before it is too late,” Mr. Munasinghe emphasized. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

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  Comments - 204

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  • Roshan Friday, 19 October 2012 12:00 AM

    This is called DEVALOPMENT via DM Android App

    Dinesh Friday, 19 October 2012 01:06 AM

    A door is opened for bribes/corruption.

    Grumpy Friday, 19 October 2012 01:09 AM

    Wow... good news! Hey I have a doubt, will they TAX us for urinating? lol

    kamal Friday, 19 October 2012 01:16 AM

    If the framers pay the tax can the govt ensure they get the water in their well all the time???

    Yohan Perera Friday, 19 October 2012 01:10 AM

    Reminds me of the Dog that the Sri Lankans have been paying in colonial times...

    kitty Friday, 19 October 2012 12:00 AM

    hel yeah tax us fr urinating via DM Android App

    kithsiri Friday, 19 October 2012 01:23 AM

    This should be defeated with the support of all in the opposition. When the farmers are dying without being able to sell their harvest how can they pay for the water.

    Cobra Friday, 19 October 2012 01:24 AM

    Aney ammapa, chande dunnata honda wade!!!

    Ranjith Friday, 19 October 2012 01:20 AM

    Jolly good, one more tax to be introduced, Why not meters for those wells?

    Thomas the Engine Friday, 19 October 2012 01:23 AM

    Eat shix drink nothing!

    hks Friday, 19 October 2012 01:39 AM

    what about a new tax for the oxygen which we inhale?

    prageeth Friday, 19 October 2012 01:44 AM

    coming soon bro...coming soon....

    Big Ears Friday, 19 October 2012 01:39 AM

    And the carbon dioxide and the hydrogen sulfide we exhale?

    sandman Friday, 19 October 2012 12:00 AM

    For the miracle of Asia, these are just the beginnings. via DM Android App

    Just Another Citizen Friday, 19 October 2012 02:44 AM

    Soon tax for going to the toilet. And after that tax for breathing air

    Wara Friday, 19 October 2012 02:54 AM

    This is a big mistake.

    Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 19 October 2012 03:09 AM

    Basically I, or for that matter anybody, will see any thing wrong in actions to preserve and protect water resources for not only future but existing generation too.

    But the problem is common man already burdened with unbearable cost of living and daily rising electricity, water; gas will be naturally get agitated by this new tax system on the pipeline.

    Anyhow; we have a say but no say. Fact of the matter is that.

    Al Rasa Friday, 19 October 2012 03:31 AM

    In time to because of the haphazard human settlement water will become a commodity. All countries which are having water sill ultimately survive. Good move to streamline and make some feeling of preservation of water resources.

    Damien Perera Friday, 19 October 2012 03:23 AM

    My water bill, a family of 4, is an average Rs. 250/- for a consumption of 15 to 20 units a month which works out to Rs. 3000/- a year. Now, a poor villager who constructs a tube well for his family requirements will have to pay two and a half times more. How fair is that considering the Water Board incurs NO expenditure in providing or maintaining the supply of water to the villager?

    By all means tax the commercial exploitation of water but certainly NOT the domestic use and in so UNFAIR a manner.

    The brains behind this project seem to be taking a leaf out of the Z score experts.

    make Friday, 19 October 2012 03:25 AM

    I guess these things happen in 'Miracle' countries.

    suneth Friday, 19 October 2012 03:36 AM

    This is the first step of selling water. this is the implementation of so called " Water Management" and this was most requested by world banks who grant loans. so, next is to sell water from tanks for farmers. government is going to do the biggest mistake by throwing out the farmers and poor civilians. even if UNP come in to power they will do the same without hesitate. shameless..... this nation is built on water and and agriculture foundation and not because of head less, aimless politician. Where this nation headed to ???

    aaks Friday, 19 October 2012 03:29 AM

    Our grand mother lives in a village house. As there is no pipe borne water she uses the well that was dug some three generations ago by her forefathers. How you can expect her to pay Rs 7500 per year? Even if she had a pipe supply her annual usage would never exceed Rs 1000.

    true sri lankan Friday, 19 October 2012 03:39 AM

    Farmers are already dead...only tax is left.....

    Ramani Friday, 19 October 2012 03:31 AM

    Politicians get Duty free vehicle permits. we have to pay for Drinking water permits. this is the result of debt burden. Get more credit they will impose more Taxes on people.

    shit Friday, 19 October 2012 03:31 AM

    Good show, let the government make more mistakes thats the only way to get rid of them. Pay back time for the people who voted for them.

    Aiyo Salli Friday, 19 October 2012 03:31 AM

    How do they ensure water resources for future generations by taxing?

    Ralahamy Friday, 19 October 2012 03:31 AM

    This is a sick joke, from the medieval period. What we need is Robinhood to save the country.

    pam Friday, 19 October 2012 03:40 AM

    who's behind this crazy idea? Another way for the corrupt govt to fatten its coffers.
    Disgusting.
    Leave the water alone. What comes out naturally from the earth belongs to the man who owns that bit of the earth.

    Wasana Friday, 19 October 2012 03:36 AM

    Most of the people had blamed Gen, Fonseka for having yesterday meeting. Why our people cannot understand the real risk of this government. Some people still backing this regime, Wait and see, In the future they will tax for digging our grave also, Tax will impose based on the size of the grave.

    D.P.Liyanage Friday, 19 October 2012 03:56 AM

    This is called cat jumps out of the bag........
    Oh! poor citizens of Sri Lanka... only god knows what would happen.

    BE Friday, 19 October 2012 03:51 AM

    This is very short sighted. The whole tax structure in the country is the same. More taxes will come after the budget. This directly affect the law binding citizens and business men only, people who know the art of getting a way (through bribes etc..) will win.

    J P Rajan Friday, 19 October 2012 03:55 AM

    It's on the way!! Very soon the Rajapaske family will not only control the land sea and air, but ungerground as welll!!!

    Premalal Friday, 19 October 2012 04:02 AM

    Suba Anagathayak

    ANTON Friday, 19 October 2012 04:03 AM

    They will tax toilet pits soon.

    I.O.Sull-Lee Friday, 19 October 2012 04:14 AM

    people will think the period of the suddha was better when they charged for dogs.cats etc... at least everyone was served with the same spoon those days.

    Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 19 October 2012 04:21 AM

    Alas, a sad end to the "Linda Langa Sangamaya" and "Naana Thotupola". This proposed tax had been on the pipeline for some time as it is a requirement of the World Bank but so far successive governments had succeeded in avoiding it. But this Rajapakse government is ready to jump and accept anything which means more income for them regardless of the suffering of the poor people. What remains now is to tax the amount of air we breathe and how much we urinate each day.

    patriot Friday, 19 October 2012 04:25 AM

    You idiot, how do you expect a poor villager to live without digging a well for water? You think people dig wells for swimming?

    senavi Friday, 19 October 2012 04:25 AM

    why are you so inconsiderate. We have to pay for the huge government which is over staffed by about 400%

    SunnyBoy Friday, 19 October 2012 04:28 AM

    Finally ! this was predicted by the JVP some years ago : Sri Lanka will be the only location in the asian continent where drinking water will be available. Water will be more expensive than oil in a few more years. Get ready to get rich !

    wasanthi Friday, 19 October 2012 04:23 AM

    A good tax, urban residents are always paying taxes, Then why not village people. it is fair. to impose more taxes on villagers, tax on toilette and remove the stuff yearly.

    Rita Friday, 19 October 2012 04:32 AM

    If the Government is people friendly, let them think twice. Just for the survival of few employees of few entities poor masses are required to pay.

    wasantha Friday, 19 October 2012 04:25 AM

    Oxygen tax is vital to clean the air.

    Upul B Friday, 19 October 2012 04:40 AM

    Remember WW talking againest about this some time ago and wonder what his stand now as a Minister!!!!

    Indeevara Friday, 19 October 2012 04:32 AM

    Most village people have not understood this government properly so far. They protect this admiring war victory. Eventually they will understand by type of actions like this.Thawa chande deepalla, Umbalata hondata bastiya dei.

    Parakramabahu Friday, 19 October 2012 04:52 AM

    Dont touch my people's water. its free for all commanded by me.

    Citizen Friday, 19 October 2012 05:03 AM

    Majority of this country's people do big mistakes in elections, these are the consequences.

    Fazli Friday, 19 October 2012 05:04 AM

    Al Rasa : You have mistaken bro. One will be charged @ 7,500 annualy irrespective of the extend usage. How will it contribute to streamline conserving water.

    F Jurangpathy Friday, 19 October 2012 05:15 AM

    Next will be Oxygen Tax for the air we breath.

    Kum Friday, 19 October 2012 05:08 AM

    Now that you have said it, finished. All the chances are there for our/your monthly pipe borne water bill will to double or even triple, so as to make that in par with the new taxation.

    Andy Friday, 19 October 2012 05:20 AM

    continously the poor people are getting hammered everyday with this so called abcdefg. aney muney, you are going to save the resources by taxing people?

    Cramer Friday, 19 October 2012 05:21 AM

    People have to pay for the use of backside as well....

    KD Friday, 19 October 2012 05:27 AM

    Soon we will pay for farts which amounts to the worst pollution.
    Btw leaking and dumping of law and order doesn't seem so precious to our elected members. Suddenly they have woken up to protect our precious natural resources. I smell a rat here and it looks like these rats have smelt MORE money and are going after what ever they can. The ones who will make money (i.e Pagawa) are the enforcers and it boils down to those in power. It is absolutely useless to try governing natural resources when the rule of law is not governed. Fix the rule of law first and then attempt to fix the other issues such as this one.

    KD Friday, 19 October 2012 05:29 AM

    well said Damien, 'Brains' is the keyword or should we say the lack of it.

    Sam. Friday, 19 October 2012 05:21 AM

    Tax for inspiration soon. Jayaweva!!!

    Jan Friday, 19 October 2012 05:22 AM

    Is the Water board bankcrupt.

    thusitha Friday, 19 October 2012 05:24 AM

    all you stupid fools vote for the JVP

    KD Friday, 19 October 2012 05:34 AM

    absolutely correct! but who is to blame? It is us who vote them in. Who ever contests an election we vote without thinking about longer term issues. We can only sustain any form of normalcy if we elect honest and true leaders to govern our country. Clear example is Mervin et al.

    seanaaa Friday, 19 October 2012 05:41 AM

    hey hey don't blame the govt "ITS WE WHO ELECTED THEM"
    so just suck it and live your life

    Vidya Friday, 19 October 2012 05:37 AM

    Most of them add comments against for taxing the water. Yes, I also agree with you in particularly when they tax from domestic wells, poor farmers etc. But there are businessmen who earns millions of rupees using this natural resource without paying a cent for the government. So, the time has come now to limit and protect the natural environment from this commercial exploiters and monitor them to save our remaining one and only most important natural resource WATER we have in this country.

    weha Friday, 19 October 2012 05:46 AM

    why defeat? if the people are still voting for them most probably this is what they really want.

    Game Kolla Friday, 19 October 2012 05:55 AM

    Very soon there will be tax on air depending on the level of breathing.

    Ranjit W. Friday, 19 October 2012 06:01 AM

    Next will be Tax on Toilets.

    Yuri Friday, 19 October 2012 06:02 AM

    You already paying for it when you pay for the water

    Yuri Friday, 19 October 2012 06:03 AM

    I think he learned from Kuwait Gov

    citizen Friday, 19 October 2012 06:07 AM

    SF's case is separate issue.
    Known devil is better than an unknown devil.

    Shace-UK Friday, 19 October 2012 06:23 AM

    What about taking water from the river??? Are they going to tax for that as well!!!!

    aaks Friday, 19 October 2012 06:25 AM

    It seems the government will bring water bowsers to fill the wells with water when they dry up.

    DUWI Friday, 19 October 2012 06:23 AM

    More like will they give us a rebate for urinating and replenishing ground water stocks.

    wijayabandara Friday, 19 October 2012 06:32 AM

    Make a Road tax for Vehicles, they pollute Air. Make a tax on every new Born child also. Government has to provide lot of facilities for new borne . Road tax a Must.

    mohamed Friday, 19 October 2012 06:24 AM

    Any taxes for using rivers & streams for day to day bathing purposes for villagers. As we know most of the wells are dig in country side where people do not get reliable water distribution system. these time to chase of these tyrant for unfair taxes & robberies.

    lalith Friday, 19 October 2012 06:33 AM

    A good tax, Government should fix meters on fields charge for water using from Tanks. please make a Air purifying Tax on Vehicles.

    Hussain Friday, 19 October 2012 06:33 AM

    If they are going to tax drinking water, the the Government should see that every house gets clean drinkable pipe bourn water.

    Chathu Friday, 19 October 2012 06:44 AM

    Honestly I did not see this coming. The government is so surprising. But sincerely I wish this will not pass through the government.
    Anyway the opposition can easily win any election if this been introduced and they promise to abolish it in the first day.
    P.S. : We cannot trust the election promises anyway ....

    rumi Friday, 19 October 2012 06:39 AM

    WATER IS FROM GOD-NOT GOVT PROPERTY.

    TAX THE PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTERS
    WEALTH AND DO NOT TOUCH POOR PEOPLE WATER GRANTED BY GOD ALMIGHTY.

    perera Friday, 19 October 2012 06:42 AM

    Taxing everyone except politicians to stay in power and prop up this miracle of asia,s record breaking ministries and government.
    sooner they are kicked out the better for all.
    ALAS THE STUPID SRI LANKAN WILL KEEP VOTING THESE JOKERS IN

    KUMAR Friday, 19 October 2012 06:52 AM

    Water is not oil to be depleted. The more you draw, it may increase its resourse as the water table may rise evaporate and come down as rain. It is a ridiculos story to preserve water beyond 50 years while people are strugling to obtain waier.Why doesn;t the Ministers & bureaucrats stop washing their backs before rationing drinking water.

    Mohamed Friday, 19 October 2012 07:12 AM

    Day light robbery

    hello Friday, 19 October 2012 07:06 AM

    I want a refund when I urinate on the soil.

    Hobbes Friday, 19 October 2012 07:19 AM

    Water, like air is a natural resource that is absolutely vital for the sustenance of life. If used for that purpose as against commercial exploitation, it cannot/should not be taxed especially when the Water Board is incurring no expense, unlike in the case of water supply to urban areas.

    I feel this move, especially the intention to tax domestic usage, would not withstand a proper legal challenge.

    Clement Friday, 19 October 2012 07:20 AM

    This tax rule should be applied only to people who use water for industrial and selling purposes. Lots of poor ppl will be badly hit as they use tube well watein rural areas.
    This tax should be based on income of people. Before this is done , MPs and others should not be allowed to get tax free vehicles.

    srinath.gunaratne Friday, 19 October 2012 07:28 AM

    People should really oppose these absurd changes in all democratic avenues. How can government expect a poor farmer to pay 5000 pounds for a well?

    Hena Gahapiya Friday, 19 October 2012 07:49 AM

    Now the government is not even allowing people to get water from soil...they want to Tax that as well ? for funding corrupted politicians agendas and expenses....god bless srilanka...

    Minister Friday, 19 October 2012 07:41 AM

    Get ready for more miracles soon. More are on the pipe line. Soon there will be a Gramasewaka query if you are using a toilet using the beach or going to the jungle. Surely those who use toilets will be subjected to toilet tax soon..

    Namal Friday, 19 October 2012 07:54 AM

    don't talk about these useless guys

    Lobo Friday, 19 October 2012 08:06 AM

    This shows the bankruptcy and desperation of the Govt. Lets enjoy the air we breathe while its still free because for sure some moron is figuring out a way to charge us for that too.

    Gamin Friday, 19 October 2012 08:03 AM

    It must be a tax relief. Each well owner should get tax relief every time he/she urinates.

    singing fish Friday, 19 October 2012 08:04 AM

    The goverment will never consider the welfare of the farmers and ordinary citizens.They know very well to entice the mass by quoting the war victory over LTTE. This is the punishment given by the goverment for voting them overwhelmingly during the last election.Now suffer for the mistake you did in the last election.

    dilan Friday, 19 October 2012 08:06 AM

    shame. no money for the government?. after few years later thy will issue another permit for birthing oxygen.

    KaluSudda Friday, 19 October 2012 08:17 AM

    Price of mineral water must have gone up from today!

    Mus Friday, 19 October 2012 08:22 AM

    People from rural areas are the once who voted for this goverment. So let them feel it.

    rifai Friday, 19 October 2012 08:22 AM

    Politician of this country get tax free on everything. But poor people have to pay tax on everything
    I cant understand ...........

    Jayasekara Friday, 19 October 2012 08:26 AM

    don't give them ideas

    Farzan Friday, 19 October 2012 08:26 AM

    You are absolutely correct mate. It will be similar to environmental protect unit and Dengue prevention compaign. Those are at high level in bribes/corruptions.

    Farzan Friday, 19 October 2012 08:36 AM

    I never thought that the Minister Nimal Siripala is also a fool like Weerawansa.

    patriot Friday, 19 October 2012 08:42 AM

    And a tax for collecting rain water.

    mangala Friday, 19 October 2012 08:43 AM

    I think taxing wells dig for domestic purpose is utter nuisance. Those who’re having wells in their backyards are not a burden on pipe born water, and also support their neighbours when the pipe born water is not available. So in one way well owners are giving community service to their neighbours. Digging a well is a costly affair too. So I’m not sure why this looting government is thinking to tax. I’m not sure about other proposed taxes too. So finally it looks wise to close down those wells and rely on pipe born water as it seems to be economical for financially poor public. In the same way one day they will start taxing on solar power, which is produced for domestic purpose...... WONDER OF ASIA!!!!!

    Rubert Vanderkoon Friday, 19 October 2012 08:57 AM

    Why don't the Government's water board provide water to all these people? Then they will not bother making wells. What next? A tax for breathing?

    ranjana Friday, 19 October 2012 08:56 AM

    sIRIPALA JUST LOOK AT THE COMMENTS PEOPLE MAKE, yOU WILL THEN REALIZE WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU AT THE NEXT ELECTION. lIKE WHAT HAPPEND TO bOGOLLAGAMA

    pasha Friday, 19 October 2012 09:06 AM

    family of 4 for 250/= consumption? how many days you take bath in a month?

    pasha Friday, 19 October 2012 08:58 AM

    family of 4 for 250/= consumption? how many days you take bath in a month?

    Podi Malli Friday, 19 October 2012 09:07 AM

    @ Farzan Nimal Siripala became a fool long time before Weerawansa...

    speedTrain Friday, 19 October 2012 09:05 AM

    Ranil where are u, plz come back to office.

    hassen Friday, 19 October 2012 09:12 AM

    Make a Payee tax for every Government and Private sector employee like in Germany and Switzerland. You can collect a fair amount of money. we are with the Government. A extra tax for Pollution can impose on Vehicle owners. A dog tax is also good. Increase all insurances for Vehicles. Impose a tax on foreign employees. Increase Bus fairs and Railway Impose a Extra tax on Private buses.

    AT Friday, 19 October 2012 09:18 AM

    don't be as a dumb, Road Tax is already placed in.. besides that they do the Vehicle Emission Test when we renew the road tax, but still we can see lot of smoking vehicles on the road..

    How did they get the tax permit???

    Ruwan Friday, 19 October 2012 09:47 AM

    Again I can see most of you talk about poor people. Can some for the record what is definition of the poor people who you are talking about?

    Titanic Friday, 19 October 2012 10:31 AM

    mind u ltte lost because ,they didnt let people get water, same will hapend to this government if they play with water,

    mike Friday, 19 October 2012 10:51 AM

    "chintana,or hinsana"

    Fash Friday, 19 October 2012 10:45 AM

    God knows what is the next Tax the Govt. will implement.

    buffaloa citizen Friday, 19 October 2012 10:57 AM

    It is only the southern yakkos who vote for these monkeys based on sinhalese patriotism.

    CommonSensePrevails Friday, 19 October 2012 11:08 AM

    It's important to preserve the country's ground waters and maintain a manageable and sustainable water system.
    HOWEVER, until the government gets rid of its (very valid) reputation of fleecing its citizens at any given opportunity, of course comments such as the above are expected.
    Until there is transparency into the ledgers on how this fee/tax will be used, obviously it will be met with nothing but cynicism.

    buffaloa citizen Friday, 19 October 2012 11:13 AM

    Remember they have ordered 15 helicopters from their "true freinds" in Russia. This is for family transport service. All this need money.

    Osanda Friday, 19 October 2012 11:20 AM

    These are the reforms push by the world (UN). next world war will be for Pure water. Which ever government comes they will push for these. whether it is UNP or This Rouge Government.

    m jazaal Friday, 19 October 2012 11:30 AM

    Is this another idea from the IMF to collect taxes, to balance the budget deficit. Why doesn't the IMF advise, as suggested to tax the government servant's including the civil servant's, or is this going to deaf ears as this hits right at the policy makers pocket. As we are a tropical country and have plenty of water, soon we would see law prohibiting collection of rain water by private individuals in their gardens or back yard. Private companies would be managing the water supply.
    end of the day it's profits and taxes for the waste by the government

    Ajith Friday, 19 October 2012 11:27 AM

    The water board charges a killing almost Rs:40,000/= for a House Connection.This is all to cover their sin!!!!!!!

    simple mind Friday, 19 October 2012 11:42 AM

    What a joke, Ranil's opposition is is much too involved in calling explanations from its own members than protesting against the govt than wasting his energy on a trivial thing like this.

    Ravi Seneviratne Friday, 19 October 2012 11:58 AM

    Very soon this government will impose a tax on whatever you grow in your own backyard. land owner has the right to enjoy the resources including the underground water. If a well is used for commercial purposes ,that is a different issue , could be taxed.

    DM Friday, 19 October 2012 11:50 AM

    Is it under Mahinda Chinthanaya/ Idiri Dekma or Ranil W's Regaining Sri Lanka

    Kalupahana Friday, 19 October 2012 12:00 PM

    Suba anagathayak. No tax on swimming pools as they are not for drinking purposes.

    dr truth Friday, 19 October 2012 11:58 AM

    MODA ANDUWE WEDA.EVEN IDI AMIN DID NOT DO THIS KIND OF STUPID AND ANTY PEOPLE THINGS.

    Anil samaratunge Friday, 19 October 2012 12:12 PM

    I agreed, do avoid mis management of natural resources. Fees should be increased to Rs.25,000/- per annum. I fully agreed with this proposal & voted for Govt

    Abdul Gaffoor Friday, 19 October 2012 12:00 AM

    Am I watching, Sri Lankan Funniest Home video??? via DM Android App

    Siva Friday, 19 October 2012 12:11 PM

    If you get sunlight or rain onto your premises one should be taxed as well.That will be the next step.

    bandula Friday, 19 October 2012 12:23 PM

    I think more Taxes need to fill the Government coffers but think otherwise. Better to impose pollution tax, general Tax for Government servants. or Increase the Bed price to Rs 100, also make a 25 % tax on railway and Bus fairs. this should come to the government. This well tax will be disastrous to the Government. This one of the IMF condition for Loans. What do you say Hon Minister Wimal weerawansa..

    Jagath Friday, 19 October 2012 12:22 PM

    No the reason is Maraja doesn't earn enough to keep up with other royal families in the world.

    muhammad Friday, 19 October 2012 12:00 AM

    Need to preserve ground water from misuse, however, imposing a big tax on domestic usage is absurd. via DM Android App

    Trehan Munsinghe Friday, 19 October 2012 12:24 PM

    Yet again the SL Govt digging its own GRAVE !!! Let it be known that what nature provides free the SL Govt plans to Tax.... Please vote for them again in 2016....or whenever THE KING decides to hold elections, You stupid stupid people of Sri Lanka...

    Shaik Ahamath Friday, 19 October 2012 12:26 PM

    I know the government needs money to govern but this tax will hurt the poor disproportionately. They should instead reform the tax collection service because there are an awful lot of high earners and corporations who seem to get away without paying any tax. A simple solution to get the tax from people is to make it mandatory that the payer in the service transaction retains the basic rate of tax at source and sends it to the Tax Office.

    Mohamed Friday, 19 October 2012 12:28 PM

    These types high dramas will continue until last foolish voter survive….

    Lanka Lion - Sydney Friday, 19 October 2012 12:29 PM

    Very soon all the wells will be gone and the rivers will run dry as nobody could afford to maintain a well for washing and drinking purposes. Those who don't live by the river will have to face the consequences.Hope there won't be another tax for collecting rain water in rain water tanks as well.Nothing seems to come free these days. It's all part of the so called development.

    Thilak Friday, 19 October 2012 12:43 PM

    Very dangerous trend. A few government including this tried this several times to please the West. Now the poor man is loosing even to have his own free water!

    samosa Friday, 19 October 2012 12:50 PM

    It is not the water board, but the government is bankrupt. They have fallen into this level. Hitting everyone's stomache from every possible way... Poor will have nothing for free if we go in this way.

    Shan Friday, 19 October 2012 01:21 PM

    Don't be surprised even if his Govt will tax on shit u purge.

    Raj Friday, 19 October 2012 01:28 PM

    The government is

    CommonSensePrevails Friday, 19 October 2012 01:35 PM

    "This proposed tax had been on the PIPELINE for some time"
    pun intended? ;)

    conty Friday, 19 October 2012 02:15 PM

    At this rate there will be no urine to pass as people will have no water to drink. Remember dilute urine is a natural fertilizer so it will attract a VAT

    Mahendra Friday, 19 October 2012 02:17 PM

    That could be the very reason to implement this shit, some Minister must be running short of cash these days!! Water is the simplest single item available in nature, freely! Who is the top man in this Ministry/

    conty Friday, 19 October 2012 02:18 PM

    Very good point. But these wells are dug where tap water is not provided. My understanding is that UN mandatory requirement is for the Govt to provide safe, clean water for drinking to it's citizens & this is not happening. Shame on you WRB.

    conty Friday, 19 October 2012 02:22 PM

    Yeah, tax for inhaling and a tax (VAT) for exhaling, Oxygen in Carbon dioxide out hence the VAT

    aja Friday, 19 October 2012 02:32 PM

    If do not use water u will get a refund

    Upul Friday, 19 October 2012 02:51 PM

    Aren't there any other thing to do? This government is going to die by self inflicting wounds.

    Lapas Friday, 19 October 2012 02:57 PM

    Why cant we dig wells in our own land, we already pay tax on the land we dig wells, This has gone too far, hope this govt. will get toppled, lets all pray of this.

    berty Friday, 19 October 2012 03:06 PM

    Against Gods will.

    Aks Friday, 19 October 2012 03:02 PM

    Wow!!!! are you mad??? But why not start with increasing petrol to 1,000/ liter??? Increase everything 20 times more???? Why not dig your grave for you and everyone who supports you and bury yourselves please??? Taxes on well that generally help irrigate cultivations??? You must have gone mad!!!!!

    mercy Friday, 19 October 2012 03:08 PM

    aiyyo ape game unta kiisima molayak neneh Ape anduwa Game kattiyata pol samboly bathui bulath witatukth rupiyal 1000 nikam dhunnanagn raja goda .Colombo govigama aye ungwa ganang ganda epa kiyala keyanawalu ape mahaaa raja .Sube anaghathayak

    Yuri Friday, 19 October 2012 03:22 PM

    i am just laughing at the people who all voted this Gang

    fm Friday, 19 October 2012 03:19 PM

    wake up srilankan vote wisly next election

    kanan Friday, 19 October 2012 03:22 PM

    govt will fall soon bec it start functioning against people right

    Sarath Friday, 19 October 2012 03:33 PM

    Our politicians have made our country the worst to live in. They may want to see the people die in thirst. It's time to kick all the politicians out.

    Sena Friday, 19 October 2012 03:27 PM

    Tax for Breathing?
    Tax for laugh?
    Tax for walk?
    Tax for eat?
    Tax for sleep?
    Tax …Tax…Tax…
    We need more tax…..

    ANON69 Friday, 19 October 2012 03:41 PM

    It is Ranil's fault ppl.

    shan Friday, 19 October 2012 04:02 PM

    I read all the comments and found all the members are opposed for this idea.Please pass to evey citizen of SL

    sumana Friday, 19 October 2012 04:10 PM

    Tax those factories and industries that pollute the rivers and residential wells because they dump dyes and other chemicals into a cess pit in their back yards and these chemicals seep into neighbouring peoples well water and rivers thereby polluting the water. Where is the local govt on this???

    Indi Friday, 19 October 2012 04:05 PM

    Another Election result. People keep N keep on voting N supporting this regime. I cant understand this dumb decision there so many other ways to preserve natural resources.

    Rif Friday, 19 October 2012 04:08 PM

    Water /air are gift of god, if any trying to sell it god will give them a lessons

    malli Friday, 19 October 2012 04:44 PM

    u missed to list underwears... each one can have only one(arrange a minister for monitor it) in a year... if its more than one, u need to pay tax !!!

    Rajan Friday, 19 October 2012 04:41 PM

    In Sri Lanka lot of big businesses cheat on taxes by not declaring their income properly and with the help of government assessors. This is a known fact if you ask any accountant who deals with taxes. Most of the retail shops do not declare their income properly, may be 30% is declared, hence no taxes are paid. Anybody and everybody who has some influence in tax dept can get away big time without paying taxes. The govt is so corrupt, they do not see all these. All they want is to punish the small farmer, poor village dweller and poor city dweller. How can these people afford to pay this amount annually?

    bandara Friday, 19 October 2012 04:53 PM

    very soon you will get anther tax for will you have bath in any river
    this is grade sri lanka

    political illiterate Friday, 19 October 2012 05:11 PM

    Is govt short of funds? Need more Money? Tax all the people Rs. 1/= if found 1/2 kilometer from there home and without a car! You will have enough money and more to run this country and live like a KING!

    Rozan Friday, 19 October 2012 05:14 PM

    If we elect people like mervin silva, S.b disanaka or vimal veerevanse to make law for us and rule us what we can expect more then this..?

    Andy Friday, 19 October 2012 05:15 PM

    Sri Lanka - the first country in the world to tax people for using water from their own land. The wonder of Asia.

    Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 19 October 2012 06:20 PM

    All those who continue to vote for this government: Please dont drink water, drink poison immediately so that others can live in this country peacefully.

    sam Friday, 19 October 2012 06:32 PM

    Why did you leave the "supreme Commander" and the siblings? Afraid of the white Van and torture?

    Thilakasiri Friday, 19 October 2012 07:58 PM

    At least thinking is not taxed or banned yet. Hope those 6 million from 2010 will get at a chance to use their brains at least once before that ability is also taken away.

    Lalith Friday, 19 October 2012 08:01 PM

    You can't have everything free!?

    Dee Friday, 19 October 2012 08:19 PM

    hey im building a cess pit but wont send sh..t to it.. try catch me and tax. unless you also want to tax sh..t

    Arthy Friday, 19 October 2012 08:44 PM

    Next on list may be breathing AIR ....

    mervyn Friday, 19 October 2012 09:33 PM

    The next will be tax for making babies in the night than making them during the day

    Sanjay Friday, 19 October 2012 11:02 PM

    Further development and will they charge us if it rains and my house gets wet????

    Prakash Friday, 19 October 2012 11:55 PM

    We need few more taxes, such as Body tax, just as colonial rulers imposed on us, Then we can have more american hotels in Colombo for tourists to enjoy our resources for next to no cost. That is call miracle of asia for tourists and living hell for locals.

    road runner Saturday, 20 October 2012 01:02 AM

    It is already done at major towns. They charge 5-10 rupees for this.

    Roy Saturday, 20 October 2012 01:22 AM

    It's not a video...

    Rajan Saturday, 20 October 2012 01:23 AM

    A Day will come when taxes will be levied fro walking on the street also :)

    Cobra Saturday, 20 October 2012 01:24 AM

    I am sure this is could be the 'brainchild' of the tuition master although not his subject. Come to think of it, our ministerial worthies are seen poaching into other areas since of late after having messed up their areas!

    priyantha Saturday, 20 October 2012 01:23 AM

    whatever way they can do to get a buck out of you, they will do it in the guise of somesort of "tax". this is not enough to make the ordinary silly lankan to realise that still there are 4 more dog years left...(hopefully).. unless UN do something about it before that...

    raja-psssa Saturday, 20 October 2012 01:44 AM

    We have been using our own well for few generations as a family, so i don't have any intention to pay any penny for it even king ask me to pay... I'll protest against this...this is insane...another private pension bill sort of attempt...

    praneeth Saturday, 20 October 2012 03:03 AM

    Ministers and their families are short of funds to play with therefore it is our responsibility to contribute them. They are innocent

    Doctor who!! Saturday, 20 October 2012 03:15 AM

    Sri Lanka is surrounded by water but still charging tax.........similarly electricity bill also so high, government could have generate power from the sea.........

    xlntgson Saturday, 20 October 2012 03:41 AM

    If that is the reason, ban bottling of water!

    xlntgson Saturday, 20 October 2012 03:45 AM

    See for yourself, those who get their electricity supply disconnected for defaults, not always for negligence!

    xlntgson Saturday, 20 October 2012 03:48 AM

    Default of payment and disconnection!

    xlntgson Saturday, 20 October 2012 04:14 AM

    Apologetic! Do you really care for poor? Ask them to drink mineral water!

    xlntgson Saturday, 20 October 2012 04:10 AM

    You won't see anything wrong because you not common! Drink mineral water.

    Jonny Saturday, 20 October 2012 04:26 AM

    Sell part of Colombo to Indians, Sell part of hambanthota to Chinese and fill the deficit. We don't anymore Taxes or Salary hikes.

    xlntgson Saturday, 20 October 2012 04:34 AM

    Miser! You won't give water even free, what else to expect?

    CITIZEN Saturday, 20 October 2012 05:00 AM

    This is the gift of nature for the people. But, this merciless, heartless, CORRUPT Govt. is going to deprive this even from the helpless people! For sure, next will be the AIR WE BREATHE!!!

    patriot Saturday, 20 October 2012 07:19 AM

    Agree 100%.

    eresh - kuwait Saturday, 20 October 2012 09:04 AM

    Thank u MR

    Abduls Saturday, 20 October 2012 11:18 AM

    will the tax a family using a domestic well ?

    dass Saturday, 20 October 2012 12:15 PM

    ha ha, taxing of thinking will never earn revenue in this country.


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