The situation in Sri Lanka has "taken a turn for the worse" and a fresh outbreak of violence could have an impact on India, navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash said on Thursday. "Things have regrettably taken a turn for the worse in Sri Lanka and violence rears its ugly head once again.

"The unfortunate island nation may be plunged into a state of turmoil and conflict, and as immediate neighbours we need to keep a close watch on events as they unfold, lest they have an impact on our affairs," he said at a talk organised here by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

He was speaking at the launch of a "Maritime Security Programme", a series of studies to examine the emerging maritime security environment in the Indian Ocean, by the ORF. He also released an ORF document, "Sri Lanka: Peace Without Process", on the occasion.

"The situation in Sri Lanka is dynamic," the naval chief warned, adding that "any opinions expressed or conclusions that are drawn may need review in the light of developments that are rapidly taking place".

He was referring to the breakdown of peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The renewed conflict between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE has seen an influx of nearly 400 refugees in the 1,000-km long Tamil Nadu coast in the last three months and added to the security risk on the Indian coast.

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