Sethusamudram project: Verdict of experts handed over to Cabinet

The report of an expert group set up by the Government to study the implications of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project (SSCP), was handed over to the Cabinet last Wednesday.

The inter-ministerial committee which appointed the expert group will now study the report and decide on how best to address Sri lanka’s concern regarding the project, Science and Technology Minister Tisssa Vitarana who is a member of the ministerial committee said.

The expert committee headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education Ariyaratna Hewage handed over its report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs late last month and it was presented to Cabinet on Wednesday.

The expert committee consisted of people drawn from various areas relating to marine science as well as a representative of the Sri Lanka Navy. One of the main concerns of the committee was the adverse environment impact the project could have on Sri lanka.

The Sethusamuduram project involved linking the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar to the east coast of India by creating a shipping canal through Rameswaram Island, providing a continuous navigable sea route around the Indian peninsula within India’s territorial waters.

The ministerial committee headed by the Foreign Minister includes the Ministers of Environment and Natural resources, Ports and Aviation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Defence and Science and Technology..