President Kumaratunga with Indian Prime minister Manmohan Singh

Environmentalists, lawyers and specialists from both countries, who gathered in Colombo on Monday, warned that the proposed canal could have disastrous consequences for marine and coastal ecosystems.

They said the plans to dig the canal off Palk Strait will destroy the marine life in India’s southern tip and Sri Lanka’s north-western coast including Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.

“It is very dangerous that Sri Lanka agreed for the project purely based on Indian research,” Suranjan Kodituwakku, main organiser of Sri Lanka Green Movement (SLGM) said.

“Authorities were not concerned of the massive environmental impact on a tiny island as Sri Lanka.”

He said the impact could be disastrous not only in the sea but even in the Central highlands.

SLGM warned of other disasters like Asian tsunami as a result of digging Sethusamudram Canal.

“December 26 tsunami only destroyed eastern and the southern coastal areas. Not only the threat of another tsunami will be increased but Jaffna and Mannar are also going to be under threat if this project goes ahead.”

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

The Minister said that such projects may undermine the importance of the Colombo Port.