The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is organising a seminar on "Sethusamudram Canal Project: Implications for Business". The seminar is scheduled for 29th August 2005 at the Chamber.

The "Sethusamudram naval canal project" initiated by India has created much discussion and debate among government officials, environmental groups, business community and the general public both in India and in Sri Lanka. Diverse views are expressed on the implications of the project.

The seminar is intended to enlighten the business community on the progress made by the Governments of India and Sri Lanka on the proposed project and on the possible implications of the project on business to facilitate business sector to adopt appropriate strategies to face the implications more effectively.

Members of the Sri Lankan Government delegation that visited India recently for discussions on the project and experts who have studied the project have been invited to address the seminar.

The following areas would be covered during the seminar: Sethusamudram Canal: Why is it Built? Implications on Shipping and Ports, Measures to cope with Navigation and Emergency, Impact of the Sethusamudram Canal Project on Fisheries, Potential Impact of the Project on Environment and Steps taken by the government to address the concerns of Sri Lanka.

The panel of speakers will consist of Mr. Rohan Abeywickrama (Director, Sathsindu Group of Companies), Dr. Krishan Deheragoda (Vice Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority), Mr. M A R Kularatne (Chairman, Marine Pollution Prevention Authority) and Mr. A L Ratnapala (Assistant Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Dr. Parakrama Disanayake (Chairman/CEO, Aitken Spence Shipping Ltd) will chair the seminar.