Sri Lanka not ready for connectivity with India by land

18 April 2025 01:44 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 69 Bookmark

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Govt informed decision to India in December
PM Modi referred to project during his latest visit

Colombo, April 18 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has declined to consider a land connectivity project with India at this hour despite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi making some remarks about the need for it during bilateral talks, Daily Mirror learns.

A land bridge connecting the two countries was mooted first during the 2002/2004 government led by Ranil Wickremesinghe as the then Prime Minister.

During Mr. Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi as the President in 2023, land connectivity was mentioned in the joint statement.

However, Daily Mirror learns from multiple sources that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during his visit to New Delhi in December, last year, declined to press ahead with this project at this hour. As a result, the matter was not on the Sri Lankan agenda during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister recently.

Still, on one occasion during bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi, referred to land connectivity between the two countries.

When he flew out of Sri Lanka on board an Indian Air Force helicopter after the visit, he observed Ram Setu which connected Sri Lanka and India in ancient times.

Comments - 69

S P Friday, 18 April 2025 03:18 AM

Splendid isolation! Not surprising. Britain took centuries before connecting with Europe through the channel tunnel (Chunnel). Then a few years later they took a Brexit to get isolated once again. However the people are happily moving across! If people want to move no government can stop it!

8 51

VRAJ Friday, 18 April 2025 08:57 PM

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE OF NORTHEAST ECONOMICALLY , EMPLOYMENT , TOURISM , AND TRADE.

4 8

Zarook Saturday, 19 April 2025 11:22 AM

Over 100 million Indians don't have toilets, what if they come here to defecate ?

5 8

ICC Friday, 18 April 2025 09:12 PM

if this happens, that will not happen. connectivity or separation

0 4

Lanka Friday, 18 April 2025 03:32 AM

There are some solid arguments for and against the connection between the two countries: No doubt this connectivity is good thing from an economic perspective or business standpoint but there is a risk to our sovereignty too: geopolitical trends are changing rapidly and we shouldn’t rush for this connectivity: I personally feel that we should not go for that : if the economic growth is expected through this connectivity: We don’t need to do this to get our economic growth because our economy is recovering fast as expected due to many reasons and we can keep it growing faster than this if only we have a corruption free government as we have now ,

14 43

Narusha Friday, 18 April 2025 05:03 AM

The majority Sri Lankan government is not forward thinking. Why ? This is due to the majority are like frogs in wells. Turkey has connection to Asia. Similarly the UK has connection to France. There are many countries have connectivity to the adjoining country. Wake up Sri Lanka

62 31

wellwisher Friday, 18 April 2025 12:17 PM

Frogs in the well do not understand this ,connecting with nabors are beneficial in everyway but still we are under stone age thinking they will conquer us and make it part of them ,this is silly and funny .almost all the countries are connected to neighbouring countries through land boarders except few island like us

45 15

sach Wednesday, 30 April 2025 04:03 PM

UK and France is like Sri Lanka and TN? Sri Lanka had a 30 year war because of TN nationalism

0 0

FredSnR Friday, 18 April 2025 05:58 AM

It's the direction that counts. Heming hemin.

3 9

Amaran Friday, 18 April 2025 06:05 AM

VERY GOOD DECISION, indeed. If connected, Tamil Nadu will say SRI LANKA is part of the STATE of Tamil Nadu.

37 47

Mathews Friday, 18 April 2025 07:12 PM

@ Amaran-- please consult a shrink. Grow up.

1 2

THE TRUE DEMOCRACY Friday, 18 April 2025 06:25 AM

WE ARE TAMILS , WE LIVE IN NORTHEAST AND OTHER PARTS OF LANKA , WE WANT TO CONNECTIVITY WITH INDIA BY LANND.

77 26

Gillian James Friday, 18 April 2025 03:22 PM

There are many things that you want including 66% of the coastline and 33% of the land mass. The best thing for you is to emigrate to India.

13 40

Sony Friday, 18 April 2025 07:16 PM

@ Gillian James- 66% of the coast line and land Mass are geographically determined. Bhutan, Nepal have no coast line.

0 2

Mandayan Friday, 18 April 2025 07:32 PM

You kept your mouth shut when the Hambantota and Colombo port city was given to Chinese. Is it double standards?

0 5

LASANTHA Friday, 18 April 2025 08:42 PM

SRI LANKA TO BECOME AN ISLAND TAMILS ARE FIRST NATION. EVERYTHING ELSE CAME LATER. THAT IS WHY TAMILS HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO DO.

4 5

THE TRUE. Sunday, 20 April 2025 02:06 AM

Your Language ,Religion, Culture ,Genetic From Northeast India., So You Must Go Back Over There. We Are The Masters of The Land.

4 3

Ram P Friday, 18 April 2025 06:30 AM

This is a very good decision. We must not have the land connectivity any day as it can swallow us slowly

20 76

DK Friday, 18 April 2025 01:58 PM

Has Europe swallowed the UK, by having channel tunnel.

32 13

Common sense prevails Saturday, 19 April 2025 12:26 AM

Will answer your question with another question; did people originating from Europe demand UK to give over 60% of her coastline or start a civil war?

1 7

PW Saturday, 19 April 2025 07:53 AM

Many comments talk about UK and channel tunnels .. are we as powerful as UK and is Europe a single country… that can swallow .. comparing to Poweful India ? are really silly comments

1 5

ding ding ding Friday, 18 April 2025 06:36 AM

India is to insist Sri Lanka and please build a connecting bridge quick as possible

31 15

Rama and Seetha Friday, 18 April 2025 07:19 AM

A news article after the LC election: ".....the Government of Sri Lanka has reversed its stance and is now in full agreement with the Government of India on land connectivity between the two countries....."

16 20

Reza Friday, 18 April 2025 07:37 AM

Thank god we have AKD. Sri Lanka is a healthy nation due to being an island. Add a bridge and we have malaria, Plague and every other disease.

26 37

Ruwani Friday, 18 April 2025 06:58 PM

Can close the bridge if a pandemic strikes. Or are you gonna perish in the well?

4 3

Priyantha Friday, 18 April 2025 07:49 AM

A stupid decision. India is going to be the regional power house in the future overtaking China. Looks like another missed opportunity resulting from pitty inward looking outlook. Thought there were smart persons around this inexperienced mob, but one has to question it with a series of very poor calls being made. One other recent announcement was around non-divestiture of of SOE's including the perennial liability Sri lankan Airlines.

79 25

wellwisher Friday, 18 April 2025 12:18 PM

Absolutely , Frogs in the well do not understand this ,connecting with nabors are beneficial in everyway but still we are under stone age thinking they will conquer us and make it part of them ,this is silly and funny .almost all the countries are connected to neighbouring countries through land boarders except few island like us

41 9

Rebuffing India like this will likely have reciprocal rejections Friday, 18 April 2025 07:56 AM

SL is asking to be able to send more exports to India with zero tariffs, and other export ideas in light of the US reciprocal tariffs. Also Sri Lanka can get power grid connectivity with India to boost local grid stability using Indian Nuclear power stations for stabilisation. Lanka must provide reasons for this rejection of Indian idea for land bridge which will hugely help for trade between the two countries. Land bridge will help India with their defence needs too. Sri Lanka is being small minded and silly to reject land bridge to India.

41 16

Concerned Lanka Friday, 18 April 2025 08:16 AM

There should never be any land connection with India and Sri Lanka! This will only destroy our country and make it worse than India!!

21 58

james Friday, 18 April 2025 08:53 AM

Last time India puts a bridge, SL was burning

8 50

Wiseman Friday, 18 April 2025 09:42 AM

Good Choice Mr Prez. Last thing we need Indian encroachment into our economy. First let's build the nation and strength the border controls and economy.

13 45

Sokrates Friday, 18 April 2025 09:43 AM

Bad decision by the President, who has caved in to the reactionaries of the country who want to continue living in their medieval isolation and, for whatever reason, are afraid of India and fear for Sri Lanka's independence. The country has long ceased to be independent since it has been trading with major economic powers (EU, India, Japan, USA and China) and has thus made itself dependent. It has been shown worldwide that bridge or tunnel connections between countries have always led to an economic boom. This upswing was extremely large in the UK after the Channel Tunnel was built. Now I am sure there will be some stupid counter comments that Indians are flooding Sri Lanka, especially those who don't have toilets at home, that they are bringing in diseases like Covid and taking away jobs from Sri Lankans.

47 15

mila Friday, 18 April 2025 09:46 AM

I’m really concerned about the idea of building a road or land connection between Sri Lanka and India. With India’s huge population, such a link could seriously impact Sri Lanka’s culture, identity, and future—especially for us Sinhalese. Sri Lanka is a small island with a unique heritage. A direct connection might lead to more migration, intermarriage, and changes in land ownership that could slowly erase our identity. I’ve also noticed more and more land being bought by people who aren’t Sinhalese. I believe the government should step in. Instead of allowing full ownership, land should only be available for lease to non-Sinhalese or foreigners, so we can keep control of our country’s future. It’s time we have an honest conversation about this before it’s too late.

13 53

Patriot Friday, 18 April 2025 05:31 PM

Very wise comments by Mila, agree 100 %. A land link will surely compromise Sri Lanka's sovereignty, identity, culture, well being. I wish Sri Lanka was at least a couple of hundred miles further south of India. There would be less Indian interference, and people living in our northern peninsula would not have split loyalty between Tamilnadu and their motherland Sri Lanka !

0 4

Jeeves Friday, 18 April 2025 11:06 PM

Very true! We are the only community with no links to other countries. Facts are facts! SRI LANKA is the only homeland we have; no where else! So, we must protect our identity, cultural heritage and homeland.

0 6

Conny Springer Tuesday, 22 April 2025 09:25 AM

@mila 100% facts.

0 2

Yohan Friday, 18 April 2025 09:46 AM

Without a land based connection, SL will never comeout of this debt trap. A conmection of that nature will benefit tourism immensely as tourism is unique for us. Also it will reduce the cost of import goods as well. Jaffna will develop as a commercial hub.

41 13

Eper Friday, 18 April 2025 09:49 AM

Good idea. We hv our own resources and experts to look after ourselves

7 24

FredSnR Friday, 18 April 2025 10:13 AM

Slowly slowly seems to be the strategy and why not when it seems to be working.

0 12

TJ Friday, 18 April 2025 10:41 AM

Good decision. National security first

10 30

Darcey Friday, 18 April 2025 10:49 AM

Are you sure... But I bet it will be done during this year

7 9

Tamil Nadu to Velvettithurai Hanuman Bridge Friday, 18 April 2025 11:00 AM

Ah yes, the divine gift—20 glorious miles of ocean, generously placed by the gods themselves shields Mother Ceylon from the chaos

10 17

faito Friday, 18 April 2025 11:06 AM

good decision salute

9 19

VJ Friday, 18 April 2025 11:15 AM

Very good!

10 19

Krish Friday, 18 April 2025 11:42 AM

We have Tamil Nadu fisherman nicking our fish daily. And even have the audacity to complain about arrests. What will happen if there is a land bridge. I have no confidence in this. By the way if indians care so much about us, how about stopping stealing our our fish in the North.

0 19

G. Lawrence Friday, 18 April 2025 11:50 AM

If a bridge is built Sri Lankan Airlines will fall further into debt.

7 19

Economy first Friday, 18 April 2025 12:11 PM

Us- Canada Singapore - Malaysia UK -France Turkey Asian countries China - HONGKONG like that Srilanka- India connectivity will bring benefits for both nations economically. If Srilanka refuses request by India then Indian foreign policy will not be favourable for SLin future

38 3

Amith Friday, 18 April 2025 12:12 PM

India making under sea tunnel to dubai. Why SL shouldn't be connected through bridge ?? SL will have enormous boost to its economy and will be a bigger beneficiary with this project.

30 5

jude Friday, 18 April 2025 03:54 PM

because we dont want to get annexed like Goa

0 1

Citizens Friday, 18 April 2025 12:23 PM

It will be a disaster if there will be a land connection to India, very first thing Sri Lanka will lose the island status. Then will lose the control of the drugs, gold, Indian products smuggling, like Sri Lanka facing issues with fishing. Dirty political influence will be more than before. Let Sri Lanka be sovereign country.

5 27

Trehan Munasinghe Friday, 18 April 2025 01:15 PM

Going by history of 'Ramayana' the last time there was a bridge connecting the two countries, Sri Lanka was set on fire, so best we learn from history and not have any bridge connecting Sri Lanka and India. Having bilateral relations, trade, economic and cultural connectivity is one thing, however we are an island for a reason and it should remain that way.

3 15

Punchi Friday, 18 April 2025 02:00 PM

Land connectivity will make it easier for maids, labourers, drivers, cleaners etc to travel easily and seek work in a too be prosperous dynamic Tamil Nadu. We should also ask for work rights and visa free travel currently given to Nepal

28 5

Imtias Friday, 18 April 2025 02:02 PM

Next Presidential election in Sri Lanka, there will be an Indian rep contesting and 6.8 million patriots are going to vote him to defeat UNP and SJB. Hahhahhaaaa

20 3

wsw Friday, 18 April 2025 02:19 PM

A land bridge connecting Sri Lanka with its historical nemesis Tamil Nadu? Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me. Of course, some will always claim that economic spin offs will outweigh such concerns. We hear on a daily basis about illegal TN fishing incursions into our waters. Almost every violation is dealt with impunity, sadly due to pressure from different quarters. Tamil Nadu politicians brazenly encourage and provoke such transgressions, totally disregarding our maritime laws. Just imagine, if the island is connected with India, what calamity we will endure on a daily basis. Our proud identity and ability to feel different from the rest of the subcontinent, our unique language, mannerisms, beliefs, etiquette, cleanliness, global standing, will be most severely compromised, if we cave into Indian pressure to be connected with their country. By all means, happy to trade with India and maintain cordial relationships but please allow the ocean to continue separating us from them

4 34

Patriot Friday, 18 April 2025 09:53 PM

Dear WSW, You have hit the nail right where it should.. on the HEAD. Excellent piece of points against this proposed bridge connecting Tamil Nadi with Sri Lanka. Spells disaster every step of the way for our cherished values clearly articulated in your brief. This could potentially harm our efforts for a SANHINDIYAWA too !! May I suggest, please start a PETITION against this potentially harmful, detrimental idea, get at least 10 million sugnatures, write to the PRESIDENT never to agree to this Indian attempt for appeasing the demands and aspirations of Tamilnadu with the blessings of SOME of our own local politicians. Thank you !

0 3

Rip Winkle Friday, 18 April 2025 03:11 PM

The majority of those who are for having a land bridge between Sri Lanka and India want it for all the wrong reasons. The others are short sighted idiots.

2 29

Ask the right questions Friday, 18 April 2025 10:00 PM

True. Also the majority who are for the land bridge are diaspora both sinhalese and tamils. There is no real reason whay they should be interested in the economic wellbeing of Sri Lanka. The proposal was put forward by India. So the question should be "what's in it for India?". Why would India celebrate the economic independence of SL? Only when there's dependency as it is now they can dictate terms to SL? For those who compare UK vs Europe, Singapore vs Malaysia, Turkey, Hong-Kong etc., why not follow these countries on everything else they do, not just the land bridge?? With the kind of intellect I see in the comments I believe SL will never progress from where they are now, especially when more professionals immigrate. Also I suspect some in favour of the bridge are conspirators who wants to see the current governments downfall. Can they come out with their real names??

0 2

France never claiming part of UK Friday, 18 April 2025 03:42 PM

Definite NO to land connectivity or any connectivity.Ranil has ben taraitorous all way along giving Prabakaran the NE on a platter with the CFA agreement. But be careful that this is not a election gundu by Anura.Some point out foolishly other countries have land connections but they don't have a 84 million population of same nationality to yours minorrity on the other side. This is disasterwaiting to happen.Our case is stark different we are connecting to TN who has had invaded us over 17 times.Stop this nonsence of connectivity once

0 3

Lankan Friday, 18 April 2025 05:01 PM

Think twice about this move? Don’t you get any lessons from history? Do not you see what is happening with Taiwan and Ukraine? Don’t dare to do this?’ We are a small island ? For India it is a tiny Island and like Maldives we must be free and stand on our own? Why is this? It would be more advantageous for India if we agree for this : for some geopolitical reasons: we should not be trapped in this geopolitical conflict between two big giants: for that matter , we must be non- alliance? We should respect all regional powers and shouldn’t sideline with any as MR did try to do it ? We must follow the foreign policy designed by Late PM Srima: she was advocating that policy of non alliance and that is why we survive this far without any outside interference or influence: we are wise enough to make up our minds: 22 million Lankans are smart enough to understand the positive and negative of this and if you want to do it go for a referendum and I will come talk to people about with some solid

0 3

Rachel de'Silva Friday, 18 April 2025 05:14 PM

Sri Lanka is not the property of Politicians. Neither the government nor the entire parliament possesses the legitimate authority to compromise the sovereignty of this land by establishing a physical connection to another nation. Such a decision must not be made now, nor at any point in the future—unless it is endorsed by the people through a nationwide referendum, with no less than 80% voting in favor. The will of the people must be the ultimate arbiter in matters of national sovereignty. Improvements to ferry and air transport services are welcome, but the establishment of any form of land connectivity must be unequivocally rejected. Instead, let's strengthen what connects us safely and sensibly. Improve our ferry and flight services. But when it comes to land connectivity— the answer must be a firm and final No.

1 5

Think forward Friday, 18 April 2025 05:15 PM

Sri Lankans never think forward. They only look back and claiming

2 0

D Perera Friday, 18 April 2025 06:28 PM

At the end of the day it comes to cost to build the bridge. As of today the cost is 5 Billion US dollars. By the end of the project it can go much higher. Is it really worth it?

0 0

How crazy are we Friday, 18 April 2025 06:43 PM

Comments of other countries having land connections are irrelevant as none of them face the threat we face having had a war where TN supported the separation. To link to them physically what madness?

0 4

Ranil Friday, 18 April 2025 08:51 PM

Good decision. Anyway India has to spend Indian tax payer money then Sri lankans will curse India and love non browns.

0 0

Ahmed Saturday, 19 April 2025 11:54 AM

i would like to remind one simple fact for those who say sri lanka needs a bridge to india. do you know indians can get in to sri lanka visa free while they make sri lankans apply for a visa before arrival to get inside india ? dont even think about having a bridge when you dont have easy access to their country. everything should be done in a way both country can benefit.

0 6

wsw Monday, 21 April 2025 10:57 AM

@Patriot, thank you, just like you, patriotism runs deep in our veins to protect our beloved motherland. It is heartening and reassuring to read so many comments from readers knocking back this stupid and dangerous idea put forward by Ranil Wicremasinghe. I agree, this proposal should be formally knocked back once and for all. If not, the matter will keep lingering and one fine day, another opportunistic politician may actually cave into these Indians in order to gain some short term benefit and confine Sri Lanka and its 2500 plus history into the permanent oblivion.

0 2

Dilkie Monday, 21 April 2025 05:53 PM

Land connectivity will be boom time for SRI Lanaka. All the countries in South East Asia and and Asia are all connected. Europe is connected. South America is connected to North. All most all countries of the Five Continents are connected by road and rail. It is so important to be connected by rail and road for economic development and growth, cultural and social activity. The gains are much.

3 0

sach Wednesday, 30 April 2025 04:04 PM

India is different Tamil Nadu is different

0 0

Malthi Jayasuriya Wednesday, 23 April 2025 01:56 AM

It is not at all a good idea to have connectivity with India by land. We like to be isolated the way we are now.No added trouble to deal with smugglers.

0 2

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