Sri Lanka's Environment Minister, AHM Fowzie, told BBC Sandeshaya that he has instructed the Central Environment Authority (CEA) to make a study of the project and take necessary action.

Sri Lanka not consulted  Enviromentalists have already voiced concerns if it is going to adversely affect us and it is a serious matter A H M Fowzie

Fowzie also said that Indian government had not yet sought Sri Lanka's views on the project. Discussions with the Indian Government will be initiated once findings are available.

The Indian government last month approved the establishment of a special authority to execute the project.

The Minister said that such projects may undermine the importance of the Colombo Port. However he stressed that his concern is much more on environmental grounds rather than financial aspects of the canal project.