Sethusamudram Project: India and Sri Lanka hold second round of technical level discussions

[August 3, 2005 - 5.00 GMT]

The Second Round of Technical Level Discussions between India and Sri Lanka on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project took place in New Delhi on 1^st August 2005. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. D.T. Joseph, Secretary to the Government of India responsible for the Department of Shipping. The Sri Lanka delegation was headed by Mr. A. Hewage, Advisor to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation. The delegation was mandated by the Cabinet appointed inter-Ministerial Committee of Secretaries, convened by the Foreign Ministry. It was composed of Sri Lanka scientific personnel with specialized expertise on the issues for discussion, as well as the Heads or senior officials of the concerned government agencies or institutes, such as the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, the Central Environmental Authority, the Industrial Technology Institute, the Marine Pollution Prevention Authority, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Sri Lanka Hydraulics Institute Limited. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also represented on the delegation.

At the conclusion of the discussion, which took place in a co-operative and friendly atmosphere, both sides agreed to “an arrangement to share relevant data  …. which could enable them to assess and monitor the environmental impact of the project”.

Prior to the discussion, Sri Lanka had handed over to the Indian authorities, proposals identifying the areas that would merit specific attention, including in the context of the environmental dimensions of the Project. The proposals also set out the modalities whereby the scientific personnel of the two countries could exchange information, with a view to developing a common understanding of the co-operative measures needed to mitigate any adverse impacts. The Indian delegation in turn made clear that they would be more than happy to share information of relevance to Sri Lanka.

During the discussions, the Sri Lanka delegation made scientific presentations on those areas identified in their proposals. There were also scientific presentations by the Indian delegation concerning the actions taken by their country to meet the environmental concerns. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session that enabled the scientific experts of both sides to obtain further information and clarifications from one another.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates the positive outcome of the discussion.  The Sri Lanka delegation will, upon their return, be engaged in the follow-up to the discussions on 1^st August, and the preparations for the next and Third Round of Technical Level Discussions.

The text of the Agreed Note as issued at the end of the discussions under the joint signatures of the two Heads of delegation, is set out below:

AGREED NOTE ON THE 2^ND ROUND OF TECHNICAL LEVEL DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND SRI LANKA ON THE SETHUSAMUDRAM SHIP CHANNEL PROJECT HELD ON 01^ST AUG. 2005 IN NEW DELHI

1.  In accordance with the mandate of the President of Sri Lanka and Prime Minister of India, a meeting of technical experts on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project took place in New Delhi on August 1, 2005.         

2.  The technical delegations agreed that the purpose of the discussion was to develop a common understanding of the environmental concerns with a view to addressing them.  Specific discussions were held in respect of the following:-         

a.  Hydrodynamic Modeling assumptions behind the project.         

b.  Environmental measures for the sustainability of the marine ecosystem within the Canal and its adjacent areas.         

c.  Possible impact on fisheries resources and fisheries dependent communities.         

d.  Measures to cope with Navigational Emergencies.      

3.     Indian side made available the:     

a.  Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by NEERI,         

b.  Detailed Project Report,

c.   Details of modeling studies.   

4.  During discussions both sides discussed concerns relating to environmental aspects of the project which could affect Sri Lanka.  Both sides agreed to an arrangement to share relevant data for this purpose which could enable them to assess and monitor the environmental impact of the project.

5.  Sri Lankan authorities will examine the details provided by the Indian side and make available additional requests for information prior to further discussions.  Technical level discussions to arrive at a common understanding for addressing environmental concerns will continue and the next meeting of experts will be held at a mutually convenient time shortly.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
02.08.2005

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Last Updated Date: August 03, 2005 - 05.00 GMT