Dr Sarath Obeysekera

Answer 

— the proposed Sethusamudram / Sethudundaram project (a shipping canal or bridge between India and Sri Lanka through the Palk Strait) would have far-reaching implications for Sri Lanka.

Let’s break them down into political, geographical/environmental, and financial/economic aspect

1. Political Implications

• Strategic Balance in the Region

• India’s construction of a bridge or canal would consolidate its influence over the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar, potentially reducing Sri Lanka’s leverage over regional shipping routes.

• Sri Lanka may lose some control over maritime access currently enjoyed through its ports (Colombo, Trincomalee, Hambantota).

• Sovereignty Concerns

• Any structure close to Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary could raise disputes over territorial waters, fishing rights, and security zones.

• Sri Lanka would have to negotiate agreements on navigation, security, and customs.

• Diplomatic Rebalancing

• Increased Indian influence may push Sri Lanka to strengthen ties with China, the US, or other countries to balance power.

• Possible domestic political debates: Tamil Nadu’s proximity and links to Northern Sri Lanka could reignite sensitive ethnic or migration issues.

2. Geographical & Environmental Implications

• Alteration of Tidal Flows

• A bridge or canal may change the natural tidal exchange between the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar, affecting fisheries and coastal erosion on both sides.

• Impact on Marine Biodiversity

• The area around Adam’s Bridge / Ram Setu is ecologically sensitive and rich in coral reefs, seagrass, and fish nurseries. Changes could reduce fish stocks for Sri Lankan fishermen.

• Increased Risk of Natural Disasters

• Changes in water flow might affect cyclone paths, sedimentation, and storm surges, with possible new coastal vulnerabilities for Sri Lanka’s northwestern shoreline.

• Navigation and Safety

• A bridge with limited height or a canal with depth restrictions could redirect certain ship types, possibly reducing future potential for Sri Lankan ports to act as transshipment hubs.

3. Financial & Economic Implications

• Competition to Sri Lankan Ports

• A direct navigable link between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea through Indian territory could bypass the need for ships to transship in Colombo or Hambantota, reducing cargo volumes and port revenues.

• Opportunities for Cross-Border Trade

• If well negotiated, Sri Lanka could benefit from joint ventures: ferry services, tourism corridors, or logistic hubs linked to the bridge.

• Fisheries and Livelihoods

• Northern Sri Lanka’s fishermen could face reduced catches or restricted access due to new security zones.

• Tourism Potential

• The bridge could also facilitate easier travel between southern India and northern Sri Lanka if immigration rules are liberalized — possible gains in pilgrim tourism, especially Jaffna and Mannar.

• Maintenance & Security Costs

• Sri Lanka may be required to upgrade its naval surveillance, coast guard presence, and customs capacity to manage increased traffic.

What Sri Lanka Could Do Proactively

• Demand a Joint Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and push for international oversight (UNESCO, IMO).

• Negotiate compensation / transit fees for loss of port revenues or fisheries.

• Develop Northern Ports (KKS, Mannar) as feeder hubs to integrate with new routes.

• Strengthen Navy & Coast Guard presence to secure borders.

• Market tourism / pilgrimage packages to Indian visitors using the bridge.L

Summary:

If India implements the Sethusamudram (or whatever Sethudundaram) project, Sri Lanka faces both risks and opportunities. Risks center on reduced port revenues, environmental changes, and sovereignty concerns; opportunities lie in cross-border trade, tourism, and joint ventures. The ultimate outcome will depend heavily on how proactively Sri Lanka negotiates terms and develops complementary infrastructure.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera