Tuesday, August 2 2005 22:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India and Sri Lanka have decided to continue technical level discussions for addressing environmental concerns relating to Sethusamudram Ship Channel project.

The decision was taken at second round bilateral meeting yesterday (Aug 1, 2005) between the two countries on various issues relating to the project.

Specific discussions were held on issues pertaining to hydrodynamic modelling assumptions and environmental measures for sustainability of the marine ecosystem within the channel and its adjacent areas.

Indian side explained to Sri Lankan delegation the channel alignment had been finalised to ensure that the marine environment would not get affected adversely and to restrict the quantity of dredging to the optimum level.

The Indian delegation was led by Shipping Secretary D T Joseph, while Advisor in the Sri Lankan Ministry of Ports and Aviation A Hewage was the leader of 17-member delegation from that country, an official statement said here.