Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant has underscored the urgent need for Indo–Sri Lankan collaboration to confront transboundary environmental challenges that threaten both nations. He emphasized that environmental partnership between India and Sri Lanka is not an act of charity or diplomacy, but a matter of shared survival.
“The Bay of Bengal does not divide us; it binds us through a shared ecological fate,” Justice Kant remarked, addressing the ‘Indo–Sri Lanka Policy Dialogue: Advancing Environmental Sustainability and Regional Cooperation’ held at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo.
The policy dialogue focused on strengthening environmental sustainability and regional cooperation between the two countries. It brought attention to the common ecological threats faced by India and Sri Lanka, such as climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing, all of which have placed significant pressure on the Bay of Bengal and surrounding ecosystems.
Justice Surya Kant highlighted that the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, rich in biodiversity with coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and endangered marine species, are now under severe ecological stress. He noted that overfishing, unregulated coastal activities, and unchecked development have led to partial ecosystem collapse in several areas.
He further observed that the time is ripe for the judiciaries of India and Sri Lanka to promote a model of regional environmental constitutionalism, acknowledging that many environmental rights and responsibilities extend beyond national borders.
Speakers at the dialogue agreed that although both countries have made strides in environmental governance, stronger cooperation and coordination are essential to effectively address cross-border ecological issues. They emphasized the crucial role of judicial dialogue and collaboration in driving environmental protection and sustainability.
The participants proposed developing a framework for regional environmental constitutionalism to institutionalize this cooperation. Suggestions included forming a Joint Commission on Marine Ecology, establishing data-sharing mechanisms, and organizing judicial workshops to harmonize environmental interpretations and practices.
Concluding the dialogue, participants reaffirmed that environmental cooperation between India and Sri Lanka is vital for the survival of both nations, calling for a collective and sustained approach to safeguard the shared ecology of the Indian Ocean region. They stressed that the judiciary must play a leading role in advancing this vision, with policy frameworks evolving to match judicial initiatives.
A proposed visit by the Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka to India was recognized as a significant step toward deepening judicial cooperation and reinforcing regional efforts in environmental conservation. The dialogue ended with a strong call for continued collaboration, public participation, and shared responsibility in protecting the fragile marine environment that unites the two nations.
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