Lankan expert says Sethu project can harm island's marine life

COLOMBO: Amidst the raging controversy in India over Sethusamudram, an expert here has warned that the project can harm Sri Lanka's coastal and marine life.

"The Sethusamudram project can cause problems to Sri Lanka's coastal and marine life," Malith Mendis, a member of the Sri Lankan delegation to study the project has said.     

Mendis, the CEO of Lanka Hydraulic Institute, said if the project goes ahead, there will be considerable changes in the currents and that can affect marine life.

Mendis told the Daily Mirror newspaper that Sri Lankan authorities have investigated more into the matter than their Indian counterparts and are concerned about the project.

"While it can be expected to create changes in the sea currents in the region, the effect on biodiversity is unpredictable," he said.

Meanwhile, the Asian Tribune news paper claimed the project would pose a threat to the livelihood of fishermen.

Claiming that it was doubtful whether it would provide economic benefits to India, it said there is also a possibility of economic disadvantage to Sri Lanka from the project.

The project to create a shipping channel, dredging 167 km across the Palk Straits and Adam's bridge connecting Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mannar, is estimated to cost Rs 2,400 crore.

The project, when completed, will cut back the time spent on circumnavigating Sri Lanka when ships travel between East and West of India.