Ceylon Chamber to raise concerns over Sethusamudram Canal Project

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will raise concerns over the `Sethusamudram naval canal project` initiated by India creating much discussion and debate among government officials, environmental groups, business community and the general public both in India and in Sri Lanka. Diverse views are expressed on the implications of the project. The seminar is intended to enlighten the business community on the progress made by the Governments of India and Sri Lanka on the proposed project and on the possible implications of the project on business to facilitate business sector to adopt appropriate strategies to face the implications more effectively. Members of the Sri Lankan Government delegation that visited India recently for discussions on the project and experts who have studied the project have been invited to address the seminar. The seminar is scheduled for 29th August 2005 at 1.45 p.m. at the ground floor auditorium of the Chamber. The following areas would be covered during the seminar: Sethusamudram Canal- Is there an Economic and Maritime value, Implications on Shipping and Ports, Measures to cope with Navigation and Emergency, Impact of the Sethusamudram Canal Project on Environment and Fisheries and Steps taken by the government to address the concern of Sri Lanka. The participants would be afforded the opportunity to clarify their issues from the expert panel of speakers and panelists during the open forum.