A drinking water project by a Chinese bottled water company at the Rajanganaya Tank was temporarily halted after protests in Thambuttegama.

Yesterday farmers pelted stones at the Thambuttegama Police station demanding action to prevent the Chinese bottled water company using water from the Tank.

The tank provides water to 17, 000 acres of farmland and farmers and residents in the area are against a multinational making use of the water.

Police used tear gas and water cannons against the protestors yesterday; 44 were arrested while five policemen were injured in the clash.

The arrested protestors have been remanded until March 7.