SAMPUR has yet to prove its benefits

According to a report in Sunday Island ( 2nd Feb) the Indian High Commissioner has requested to expedite the approval of the Sampur power project. But, the
question of proposed low quality technology to be applied and the environmental hazards envisaged are areas of vital importance which have to be looked into in detail prior to the project receiving the green light.

India is in a hurry to set foot in Trinco for hundred other reasons. Yet, the majority of the Sri Lankans and many technocrats are still not convinced that the Sampur project has passed the cost-benefit test.

Sri Lanka should not be expected to gloss over the issues involved. The decision to go ahead or abandon the project should be in the hands of Sri Lanka who will have to finally pick up the damage bill.

The general Indian big brotherly attitude and treating Sri Lanka with a pinch of salt too should receive our attention when considering a project located in a
geo-politically critical area.

Ranjith Soysa

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