Top Monk Raises Concerns Over Road Link Between Sri Lanka and India

(COLOMBO) – An influential Sri Lankan Buddhist monk this week raised serious concern on security regarding the proposed link road between Sri Lanka and India that will stretch across the Palk Straits.

The Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera had raised the issue during a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Santosh Jha.

The Thera pointed out that Sri Lanka did not have any produce to be exported to India through the proposed road but Sri Lanka would face the threat of large consignments of narcotics and other contraband from being smuggled into the country.

However, the High Commissioner explained that the project would not be implemented in the near future and that the planning of the project and talks regarding its implementation would take at least two years.

He refuted the misconception that the project was unfavourable to Sri Lanka saying that it would be beneficial for the two countries. In reply to the Ven. Thera’s query whether an agreement had been signed between the two countries to implement the project, the Indian High Commissioner pointed out that it was under discussion.

He said the individuals engaging in contraband trades would not use the main entrance but instead use secret routes.

The High Commissioner further said that the Indian Prime Minister Mahendra Modi had implemented several projects to uplift Buddhist places of worship and to reduce the expenditure on power and energy.

In reply to a query from the media he said the Indian Government was prepared to extend its cooperation to any President or Government in Sri Lanka.

However at present both Sri and India operate a ferry service between the two countries.