Bid to revive Sethu project

A report filed by your Special Correspondent S. Venkat Narayan from New Delhi has said all political parties in Tamil Nadu are urging the Centre to resume the shelved Sethusamudram project that will create a sea link between the western and eastern coasts of India without the need to go around Sri Lanka. It is said that the project was conceived by the British rulers in 1860 but was shelved due to some religious beliefs and legends. It will shorten the distance and the time taken in going around Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government should take serious note as it would have adverse effects by ships avoiding Colombo and Hambantota. All cargo ships will load and unload either at Kankesanthurai or Trincomalee harbours, thus lose its importance and recognition as the main ports in Sri Lanka. Our local exports will have to be transported to either Kankesanthurai or Trinco by rail or road or by ship to be loaded to freighters.

It should be pointed out that India has undertaken and financed several projects, especially in the North such as relaying of railway track which was damaged during LTTE war, the construction of houses including for those Indian Tamils in estates, to mention a few. India seems to have a special interest in helping the North, and our Tamil politicians seem to be supporting India. What they demand is the full implementation of the 13th amendment, which President Ranil Wickremesinghe is said to be willing to consider for political expediency. If the Sethusamudram project is to become a reality, India will help Sri Lanka develop the Kankasanturai and Trinco harbours to handle excess cargo. Jaffna will gain at the expense of Colombo and become a commercial hub.

A proposal for laying submarine cables to connect Sri Lanka with India for supply of electricity, which Sri Lanka is vigorously negotiating, is another matter to be taken into account.

All in all, India has succeeded in wading off Chinese dominance gained during the Rajapaksa regime by coming to our rescue during the present crisis, and stability in the South Asian region.

G. A. D. Sirimal