Mahanayake Thera raises concerns regarding proposed link road between SL and India

• 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 subject to talks

By Shane Seneviratne   
The Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera has raised concerns regarding the security aspect of the proposed link road between Sri Lanka and India when constructed.   
The Thera raised this concern during a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha yesterday at the Malwatta temple.   
Ven.Sumangala 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 Kerala Ganja and narcotics 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 and that it would be beneficial to 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 subject to talks.   
He said the individuals engaging in contraband trades would not use the main entrance but use secret accesses.   
The High Commissioner further said that Indian Prime Minister had implemented several projects to uplift Buddhist places of worship and to reduced 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 power.   
Asst. High Commissioner in Kandy Athira S was present at the occasion.