Workshop on the social, economical and environmental impact of the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project on the North East Sri Lanka.
June 14, 2005
Summary
This workshop was chaired by Mr.R. Nimalan Karthigayan ( senior advisor – TECH).
The chief participants were;
Prof. Sithiravadivel ( University of Jaffna )
Prof..Joshna(Visiting lecturer, University of Jaffna )
Dr .Susaiyananthan ( University of Jaffna )
Dr Sivachandiran ( University of Jaffna )
Dr Kuganathan ( University of Jaffna )
Father Karuratnam (NESOHR)
Mr S Suhunan (Executive Director ,TECH)
Mr M Sundaramoorthy ( Director ,TECH)
Mr.Saiso(Representative from JICA)
Miss E Mann ( Trustee of Sustain IHD UK )
Mr. Selvain Iranius (SHIRAN)
The Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP) has been proposed by India . The National Engineering and Environmental Research Institute (NEERI) have carried out research on the environmental impact of the SSCP; however, the findings have not been made available to the public. The NEERI have not consulted the stakeholders in the North East of Sri Lanka when developing their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Dr. Susaiyananthan, from University of Jaffna , presented a summary of the SSCP, as well as, issues associated with its implementation. The presentation consisted of technical details of the impacts of the canal on the environment and the people of the North East Sri Lanka. The purpose of SSCP is to facilitate the movement of cargo ships from the Gulf of Mannar to the Bay of Bengal.Issues outlined include historical aspects, the fishing industry, coral reefs, sea life, the route of the canal, preservation of the existing islands, military, deposit of silt, potential effects of another Tsunami, port developments, and finally trade and economics.
Open discussion of this presentation immediately followed in which the above issues were further explored. The attendees of the conference made valid contributions through a question and answer session.
As required by Sri Lanka in pursuant to the UN convention 1982 ratified by both India and Sri Lanka, India is legally obliged to notify and serve the relevant parties with the documentation of the SSCP. The people of the North East have not been approached for consultation on this issue. In the best interest of our people it was necessary for these discussions to analyze the implication of the SSCP.
The discussion enabled the majority to agree on the following points;
- The people of the North East have not been consulted, although they are one of the legitimate stakeholders.
- Bring about some form of public awareness by utilising the limited but available information.
- Perform a comprehensive environmental study, in the interest of the people in the North East.
It was decided that the way forward was to form a core group consisting of varies foreign and local experts as well as the affected local people. The core group is to focus on the following key areas:
- Environmental issues specifically, Biodiversity, Hydrology, Pollution, and Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Economy, including Trade and commerce, macro-economic effects
- Social and Legal Issues including Human Rights aspect, societies collective rights in respect to livelihoods, and legal aspects amongst International Legal framework, Earth Charter.
Action Plan
The discussion group was divided into the four key areas as described above, according to the interests of the individuals, and objectives as well as recommendations of experts to be included in a “core group” was discussed. The results of which are outlined in the table below:
Key Area |
Objectives |
Proposed Implementers |
Economy |
To identify the positive and negative impacts on the northeast Sri Lanka economy in the event of implementing the SSCP |
From Faculity of commerce, University of Jaffna |
Environmental |
To identify the impact of SSCP on the environment as a whole, both physical and biological. |
Prof. C. Santhiyapillai
Dr. J. Samorakoon
Prof. V. Arulnanthy
Prof. S. Ravinthiranath
Prof. Arulananthum
Prof. Chithiravadivel
Prof. Rajadurai
Mr. Ingaranesan
Dr. S. Sivachandiran
Dr. G. Mihunthan
Representatives from relevant government offices |
Social / Legal |
Investigation into the effect on the basic human rights and cultural changes of the coastal communities. |
Human Rights/International Lawyers
Marine Lawyers
Commercial Lawyers
Sociologists
UN Special Secretaries or other UN Support |
Fisheries |
Investigate the quantitative and qualitative biological effects, as well as, the physico-chemical effects of the marine life system by the implementation of the SSCP |
National Aquatic Resources Agencies( NARA )
Eastern University
Jaffna University
Ministry of Fisheries |
The discussion concluded with suggestion of experts and professional bodies to be recommended to form a “Core Group”.
Second phase discussion to be held on 29 th/ 30 th July 2005 TBC
Note: If any body wish to joint with the “Core Group” please contact with us.
Contact details; T.P-021-228-5009
E-Mail – info@techonnet.org , suhunan@techonnet.org
Thank you.
Info
