The Health Ministry has ordered the testing of bottled water following complaints received from the public regarding the quality of the water being sold in the market for drinking purposes.

106 premises carrying out operations of bottling water for drinking purposes have been tested and registered under the Health Ministry after being certified fit for drinking by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute.

Deputy Director General (Public Health), Dr. P. G. Mahipala said yesterday there were over two hundred manufacturers who had requested to be registered with the Health Ministry. However, a prior investigation will be made into all aspects of bottling, before they are certified and registered.

He said that bottled water was in great demand as the public were of the view that it was safest water to drink. Therefore it was the duty of the Ministry to ensure that the water was not contaminated. (DJ)