India is believed to have expressed its concern to Sri Lanka over their power and energy minister Champika Ranawaka’s statement to the media that Colombo will take India to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) because of its fears that a disaster at India’s nuclear power plants in South India could have grave repercussions for Colombo.
Sources said, Sri Lankan high commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam, in a telephonic conversation, distanced Colombo from the statement and expressed concern that the issue “should not have come out in the public”. In a statement to a TV channel Monday evening, Kariyawasam played down the issue saying Sri Lanka’s concerns were being discussed at the bilateral level with India.
India and Sri Lanka, official sources said, have been conducting “very constructive” and “amicable” discussions over issues concerning nuclear disaster management for some time. As reports emerged on Monday, Indian officials sought clarification from Colombo and whether they endorsed Ranawaka’s views. The impression that Colombo has conveyed to New Delhi is that Ranawaka is “batting on his own”.
Ranawaka told the media on Sunday that Sri Lanka is concerned about the nuclear power plant located in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and its impact on Sri Lanka in case of a disaster. Ranawaka said the issue “will be raised at the next IAEA meeting in September.”
Ranawaka’s remarks have also led to speculation in some quarters whether the statement was triggered by India’s vote for a US-backed UNHRC resolution, last month, urging Sri Lanka to investigate human rights violations towards the end of its war against LTTE in 2009.
Ranawaka also said Sri Lanka is seeking an agreement with India on nuclear disaster management and that New Delhi has “responded positively”. In the event of a disaster, Sri Lanka feels its northern town of Mannar will be the worst affected. Ranawaka also said Colombo is conducting a survey of the coast to identify areas for radiation tests.
