Sri Lanka also interested in Sea Bridge: Gadkari

12 April 2016 10:14 am - 43 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka is also "interested" in the project to build a bridge connecting both the countries, Indian Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday.

"The project is under consideration, it is under discussion. But nothing has been finalised," Gadkari told journalists at the Foreign Correspondents Club in New Delhi, the Business Standard reported.

He said discussions have been held on the issue with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. Even the Asian Development Bank has made a recommendation regarding the project.

However, on March 23, Mr. Wickremasinghe said that no formal talks between India and Sri Lanka had started on the project.

The issue had figured in the Sri Lankan parliament as well.

Gadkari, who had earlier favoured the Sethu Samundran project, declined to answer any question on the same, saying the model code of conduct is in place in Tamil Nadu in view of the assembly election.

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Comments - 43

Yasin Wednesday, 13 April 2016 09:26 PM

This is a serious matter and need the referendum of the people. The president, PM or anyone else sitting in the parliament are not share holders of Sri Lanka. They were all put there by the people and it appears that these elected persons are out to cheat the voters.Sri Lanka, from time immemorial, has always remained separated by sea. This is Sri Lanka and it is certainly not part of India and it seems that India is trying to annex this resplendent Island with the help of our foolish political leadership.I repeat, this has to go for a referendum by the people.

Teddy Wednesday, 13 April 2016 07:21 AM

Sri Lankans will be interested if it connects any other part of India - except the south india,

INTERESTED ? Wednesday, 13 April 2016 08:09 AM

'Sri Lanka is also "interested" in the project..' -- Please do not hide behind the term "Sri Lanka" - If any Sri Lankan you know, who - he/she is "interested" , then mention their name/s. OR if you do not want to disclose their name/s , then say so with reasons.

manu Wednesday, 13 April 2016 08:52 AM

Mr. PM tell us the truth

Chamal Wednesday, 13 April 2016 10:15 AM

What a foolish mindset, by making a road link to a neighboring country will not make that people, slaves of other country or otherwise. Please come out of the well, see the world. at least use google earth to see.

TJ Wednesday, 13 April 2016 10:38 AM

We are not interested at all. We don't want you all to have free access here

lanka Wednesday, 13 April 2016 12:08 PM

If they agree to this bridge it will be a disaster for Sri Lanka. If the corrupt SL politicians agree. Do Sri Lankans want to be another state of Endia. The mother who succoured LTTE terrorists!!!!!!60 million Tamil nadu Tamilians and maniac politicians will dictate to us. Let us keep the peace and splendour of our beautiful island nation.

Aba Jayasekera Wednesday, 13 April 2016 02:47 PM

First, India tried to get a foothold in Sri Lanka by arming Tamil terrorists in the teeth of opposition from JRJ and the world would not listen to his protests. Later they "helped" us by Rajiv Gandhi connecting the Tamil areas - North

manu Wednesday, 13 April 2016 03:55 PM

If this happens all the trains will be fully overloaded with Indans only and ther wont be trains or buses for even the tamils of north.

manu Wednesday, 13 April 2016 03:57 PM

This will be a very sad situation for SL

roy Wednesday, 13 April 2016 05:24 PM

this should not be allowed as long as tamil nadu exists. via DM Android App

Wele Vidane Wednesday, 13 April 2016 05:57 AM

But no more Ramas in India only the......... left

roshanjay Wednesday, 13 April 2016 10:30 PM

should go for a referendum to decide this.. politicians should not be allowd to decide on this.. via DM Android App

Aba Jayasekera Wednesday, 13 April 2016 11:23 PM

The Indian Minister says that we are "also interested" in having the bridge. This statement is rather vague. If it appears that we are not really interested are the Indians going to have only their side of the bridge ?

P.Riyad Thursday, 14 April 2016 04:17 AM

Sri Lanka is not 'interested' whatsoever in such a project. Period.

Wesko Thursday, 14 April 2016 06:01 AM

One or two may oppose, Most Srilankan are happy with this Bridge Just take Singapore and Malaysia... Are they have any problems....

Nilhan Jayawardene Thursday, 14 April 2016 07:37 AM

No way. Why india wants to force this on us. Don't want to become india's next state. Our leaders should ignore this as we have enough things to do for our own population. India should feed the poor indians before engage in stupid projects.

Kishore Thursday, 14 April 2016 11:15 AM

Why so much scared about Tamil Nadu? When I read all above comments I can see some of them really scraped. Why?

Helaya no 1 Thursday, 14 April 2016 12:29 PM

Totally agreed with Yasin's statement. I simply can't understand why India is so keen on things what we are not keen to have. So far we are secure up to some extent because we are separated from India. This bridge would be an greater advantage for India not for us. There is nothing we can export to India neither we can provide our services to them. What finally would happened is Sri Lanka will be an another state of India. India has already dominated in Mauritius, Seychelles, Nepal. I am working in Seychelles, so I know how Indian hegemony controlling things in this small island nation. Most of the job opportunities, business opportunities have taken over by Indian investors. Only Sri Lanka, India could not direct finger in to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and up to certain extent Bangladesh. It is sad why our decision makers can not understand hidden interest of India.

ikarus Thursday, 14 April 2016 02:59 PM

NO,NO,NO, Sri Lanka is not interested in bridging the gap for an influx of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, DRUG TRAFFICS AND INDIAN UNEMPLOYED LABOUR.

Janaka Thursday, 14 April 2016 05:25 PM

Building a bridge, we are asking for trouble. Whoever started this idea should end immediately....

Mohan G.W. Friday, 15 April 2016 02:10 AM

Well said, but don't overlook the Exodus of qualified but unemployed precious Young Adults of our Motherland asking for refugee status abroad. Certain people in Sri Lanka will prefer to employ Indians rather than Sinhalese. India should seek first to build a bridge with their dangerous neighbors. Down with the Bridge to Sri Lanka.

Ahmed Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:57 AM

Please do a referendum and see how it goes i am pretty much all sri lankans would say no to this, because Sri lankans are no indians

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 12 April 2016 10:26 AM

NO SRI LANKAN IS INTERESTED IN THIS BRIDGE. What is the name of this bridge Is it INVADING via DM Android App

max Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:16 AM

Missaka, our PM said same to the Port City project as well!

Kodithuwakku Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:20 AM

This would be an important project to both the countries if materialized. This is not a new concept. There are many countries having road links. Some think India will invade if linked so. We will be able to go to India by road at a cheaper cost. Why worry if we can can employ our customs, security etc. at the boarder control the in and out flow.

kolla Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:25 AM

We Sri Lankan are not interested in such a bridge.

Chaney Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:38 AM

please no bridge connecting us with India. we want to be as far away as possible from you monkeys via DM Android App

ANTON Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:42 AM

" BUILD BRIDGES" BUT "DON'T BURN YOUR BOATS"

Vishnu Bhakthi Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:48 AM

RAMAYANAYA says that Rama after rescuing Seetha , handed Lanka to Ravana's brother Vibhishana , and DISMANTLED THE BRIDGE that was built by the army of monkeys . This shows that the war was a rescue operation and not an invasion to gain territory .

shan Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:53 AM

No country can invade another country by building a bridge , dont be foolish , let the country develop , as long as we have this mindset neither we can develop the country nor have a good relationship with neighbors . boarder petrol will be at the gates of both the side and people come in an go out with valid visa moreover it will boost trade not only with India but also with other countries connected . this is good thing for people who foresee and wish for the betterment of the country

Trigo Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:56 AM

Ohh!! better not, else it will be a "Little India"

rosebud Tuesday, 12 April 2016 11:57 AM

If Sri Lanka is interested then our President PM should say so -- no need for any Indian to speak on our behalf. via DM Android App

Missaka Tuesday, 12 April 2016 10:25 AM

Don't tell lies, our PM said no for that.

perera Tuesday, 12 April 2016 12:30 PM

This bridge is the BEST way to stop the sethu samudram for ever.If Sethu samudram comes it will be the end of Colombo port. via DM Android App

John Tuesday, 12 April 2016 12:47 PM

Mr G, the last time you were in the public domain, was the utter fiasco of the CWGames in Delhi - we can well do without it.

SM Tuesday, 12 April 2016 12:52 PM

This is the last thing we want. PLEASE NO!! Keep away from our beautiful country.

AR Tuesday, 12 April 2016 01:42 PM

Ok, kinda agree, we don't need one. What's the purpose is anyway?

MH Tuesday, 12 April 2016 01:43 PM

He must be day-dreaming...

vithura Tuesday, 12 April 2016 02:01 PM

Do not show your ignorance of not knowing the history of the people of SL.

vithura Tuesday, 12 April 2016 02:03 PM

Just as we have air and sea links at present, this bridge would serve as a road link with border checks. In fact this would make time/cost efficient travel and trade between the two countries.

vini Tuesday, 12 April 2016 02:15 PM

Indian bridge is falling down, falling down,Falling down, falling down,My unfair minister

Joe King Tuesday, 12 April 2016 02:21 PM

Please send an english translation of what you say in Hindi.We have no translators.

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Sri Lanka also interested in Sea Bridge: Gadkari

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