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This is a project the Englishmen thought of starting 144 years ago, but put on hold for lack of funds. After India gained independencc, several politicians started to campaign for it, specially in the South. In early 1985 the subject again surfaced and the Indian authorities were seriously discussing the issue. ‘The Island’ and ‘The Daily News’ highlighted the issue for the information of our rulers of the time.

In early August 2003 in the ‘Maha Sinhale Wansa Kathawa’ programme telecast by "Swarnavahini," the matter was taken up for discussion by Ven. Ellawela Medhananda Nayake Thera, Professor Mendis Rohanadheera and Mr. J. R. P. Sooriyapperuma with Jackson Anthony as the moderator. On 11th August, 2003, I addressed a letter to the then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with a copy to then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Ports Development, and the then Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse, MP and the JVP highlighting the dangers—both environmental and economic—this project could pose to Sri Lanka. But there was no acknowledgement of the receipt of my letter! Before that eminent Engineer A. T. G. A. Wickremasuriya had written a detailed letter to ‘The Island’ of 22nd May, 1999. In July this year, ‘The Island’ published an article titled "India’s proposed Suez Canal".

On 24th August this year, I again wrote a letter to the present Prime Minister with a copy to the Leader of the Opposition, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Ports Development, JVP and JHU urging them to take some action to halt this project. It was published in "The Island" and The Sunday Observer but again there was acknowledgement from politicians.

Despite severe warning of adverse affects to Sri Lanka from authoritative source, it is appalling and surprising that the government of the day has not made any effort to contact their Indian counterparts to discuss the issue at least with a view to halting it until more impartial and detailed studies are undertaken jointly by both sides. Apparently, India has carried out a survey to ensure that there would be no adverse affects on India.

Experts have warned of adverse impact on Sri Lanka, both socio-economic as well as geo-economic.

The Indian Cabinet is to take up the matter for discussion and approval this month. As I pointed out earlier this may contravene the existing Maritime Laws and as per the ‘Manithan’ report it is against "UN Law of Sea Convention - 1982".

If no action is taken immediately, it will be too late and our chances of getting a detailed and independent survey and opinion will be lost for good.

It is of no use the public and authoritative sources writing letter after letter to the press, if the attention of those who matter cannot be drawn to the issue.

(Ranjith C. Dissanayake,Deputy President, Eksath Sinhala Maha Sabha.)