Sri Lanka, India hold 3rd round of technical level talks on Sethusamudram

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka and India held the third meeting of technical experts on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project (SSCP) convened and hosted by the Foreign Ministry in Colombo yesterday.

Sri Lanka presented its assessment of the reports made available by India during the second round of technical level discussions and its suggestions for addressing some of the issues related to the hydrodynamic modelling, environmental, fisheries and livelihood and navigational emergencies based upon scientific studies done by the Cabinet appointed SSCP Advisory Group of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka delegation reiterated the importance of "effectively addressing the environmental concerns" generated by the Sethusamudram project and "to jointly ensure that the construction, the maintenance and the operation of the canal occurs in a manner that is not detrimental to the sensitive environment of the area, its flora and fauna." Sri Lanka substantiated this with scientific data gathered.

Summary of the suggestions for the mitigation of any adverse impact arising from the implementation of the SSCP was handed over to the Indian delegation by Sri Lanka. The importance of joint cooperation in data collection and monitoring exercises was highlighted.

It was agreed that technical level discussions to arrive at a common understanding to address the environmental concerns will continue.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Chairman of the SSCP Advisory Group, A. Hewage, A. K. Bhalla, Joint Secretary (Ports), in the Department of Shipping of India led the Indian delegation.