In a significant development, the passenger ferry service between India’s Nagapattinam and Sri Lanka’s Kankesanturai commenced on Saturday, signifying a new phase in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone, emphasizing its role in enhancing connectivity, promoting trade, and fortifying the longstanding bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Modi stated, “We are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. The launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanturai is an important milestone in strengthening our relations.”
He further underscored the significance of the ferry services, highlighting that they would enhance connectivity, foster trade, and revitalize the historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
Referring to the great poet Subramania Bharati’s Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, PM Modi said, “Great poet Subramania Bharati, in his song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, had spoken of a bridge connecting our two countries. This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections.”
Prime Minister Modi mentioned that this ferry service would breathe new life into these historical and cultural ties, emphasizing its role in the economic partnership. During President Wickremesinghe’s recent visit, both nations adopted a vision document for their economic partnership, with connectivity being a central theme. Modi explained, “It is for bringing our countries closer, enhancing trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties. It creates opportunities for the youth of both countries.”
He recalled that in 2015, a direct flight between Delhi and Colombo was launched, and subsequently, the first international flight landed in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka. The commencement of the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai represents another significant step in strengthening the regional connectivity.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe also praised the ferry service’s role in increasing connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. He acknowledged the historical disruption in connectivity due to conflicts in the north and expressed gratitude to PM Modi and the Indian shipping corporation for their contributions to reestablishing this vital connection.
The discussions on enhancing connectivity and resuming ferry services were held virtually by the India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee on July 14 this year. The Joint Committee was established as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Passenger Transportation by Sea. These productive discussions focused on the resumption of ferry services connecting mutually agreed points in both countries. The resumption of these services is expected to boost regional trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions.
In preparation for the ferry service’s launch, officials from the Nagapattinam Shipping Harbour Department introduced a special fare of ₹2,800, inclusive of ₹2,375 and an 18% tax. This promotional offer, available for passengers traveling on the ferry on October 14th, represents a 75% reduction from the regular fare.
While the passenger transportation ship’s original resumption date was set for October 10, 2023, it experienced administrative complications, leading to subsequent delays. The service was finally launched on October 14, symbolizing the strengthening of diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka.
