Sen discusses canal project with Sri Lankan officials

Nirupama Sen, India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, has visited the north western coast of Sri Lanka for talks with officials on the proposed Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project.

The project aims to create a commercial sea route between the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal within India's territorial waters, but with implications to Sri Lanka.

Sen on Monday visited Mannar and met navy officials in Thalaimannar and Government Agent of Mannar V. Viswalingam in an effort to discuss implications of the project.

The meeting came amid concerns of Sri Lankan experts that Colombo had not taken sufficient precautions or obtained proper details about the project that would have long term serious implications on Sri Lanka, including environmental and commercial problems.

Sen visited the navy base in Mannar and later addressed a public meeting to explain about the proposed project for which work has already commenced.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday inaugurated the controversial Sethusamudram project in Madurai.

Environmentalists in Sri Lanka have been protesting against Sethusamudram Project claiming there is a threat of ground water in the northern Jaffna peninsula turning saline.