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The group of Sri Lankan experts, specializing in various spheres of activity concerning the oceans, who met on 18th October 2004 under the auspices of ONS (Our Nation and Sea Initiative) after a full day seminar on the possible adverse impact on Sri Lanka’s environment, marine resources and other socio-economic interests that may result with the commencement of the Sethusamudram Canal project (SSCP) embarked upon by the Government of India, have resolved through their Bureau as follows:-

Planning for a baseline survey of the areas is already in progress.

The meeting of the Group of Sri Lankan experts on the Sethusamudram Project.

Noting with concern the possible impact of the Sethusamudram Canal Project (SSCP) on Sri Lanka’s environment, marine resources and other socio-economic interests.

Noting further that Sri Lanka has not been consulted or made a stakeholder in the relevant Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by India and that no EIA has been carried out within the territory of Sri Lanka to ascertain the possible trans-boundary environmental impact on Our Nation.

Noting also the strong protests from Indian fishermen’s organizations and several NGOs regarding the impact on the environment and marine resources;

Recognising the appointment by the Government of Sri Lanka of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to act as a forum to assess the impact and make suitable recommendations;

Bearing in mind the cordial bi-lateral relations between Sri Lanka and India and the need for an objective assessment based on the best available Sri Lankan scientific, technical expertise and relevant data.

Decides as follows:

(A) To make representations to the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Government of Sri Lanka to communicate to the Government of India through the proper channels expressing the concern of the government of Sri Lanka with regard to the proposed Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project and its possible implications and to request immediately all information including the full NEERI report available with the Indian authorities in order to assess the possible impact of the said project on Sri Lanka.

(B) to inform the Inter-Ministerial Committee that this support group of inter-disciplinary Sri Lankan experts functioning in their individual capacities have organised themselves to

1) gather all relevant information and expertise in the country

2) build awareness

3) develop the expertise and the capacity of the group to study all relevant issues and function as an independent think tank for the country

4) render all possible assistance to the Inter-Ministerial Committee in this context.

C) To request the Inter-Ministerial Committee to give an opportunity at a very early date for the experts, functioning as an independent body, to brief the members of the Committee of the possible impact of the said project on Sri Lanka and to explore ways and means by which the Group functioning in its independent capacity, could continue to render support as a public interest group through an objective assessment of the various parameters;

D) The Group of Sri Lankan Experts be facilitated with other resources required to plan and undertake as a matter of urgency a survey of the relevant sea and coastal areas and make a rapid multi-disciplinary assessment, involving government and other institutions competent to contribute to the same and submit their findings as a broad-based expert report to the Inter-Ministerial Committee. The Group of National Experts be further facilitated in their studies with official data to be obtained from the Government of India.

E) To continue to monitor and study the development in this regard and make available information to the appropriate parties.

F) To recognize the importance of long-term trans-boundary collaboration between the two countries, and to establish, consolidate and continue long-term co-operation with Indian counterparts at all levels with respect to the common water body between the two countries.