Advisory body to study Sethu concerns

THE Government has decided to appoint a special advisory body to study and present to the Indian Government Sri Lanka's concerns regarding the Sethusamudram canal project.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told the media yesterday that the Cabinet which met on Wednesday approved a proposal forwarded by Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike for the establishment of the special body.

"The Government has already held two rounds of discussions on the Sethusamudram project with the Indian Government where it was agreed that Sri Lanka would present scientific and technical evidence to support its concerns," he said.

Accordingly, the advisory body will study the implications of the project on Sri Lanka which include hydro-dynamic modelling projection, impact on marine archaeology, livelihood issues and marine pollution.

The Sethusamudram project initiated by India is aimed at reducing the present 400 nautical mile naval route around Sri Lanka for reaching the East coast of India due to the non-availability of a continued navigable route. - UK and RM