The ferry service between Nagappatinam in India's Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka commenced on October 14. This announcement was made by the leaders of the two countries in July 2023 during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe to India.
Posting on X External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "🇮🇳🇱🇰 | Deepening connectivity for stronger people-to-people ties. EAM @DrSJaishankar and Minister @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal flagged off the ferry service between Nagapattinam, India and Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka today. The ferry link between 🇮🇳&🇱🇰 resumes after four decades. It will spur our economies and bring our peoples more closer.🇮🇳🇱🇰 | Deepening connectivity for stronger people-to-people ties."
External Affairs Ministry said in its statement that the high-speed ferry operated by the Shipping Corporation of India has a capacity of 150 pax. The distance of about 60 nm (110 Km) between Nagapattinam and KKS will be covered in approx. 3.5 hours depending on sea conditions. In order to commence the service, the Government of India supported the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board in upgrading facilities at the Nagapattinam port. Similarly, the Government of Sri Lanka has created necessary infrastructure at the port of KKS.
The External Affairs Ministry of India further said that the Government of India's efforts to start the ferry service are in line with the Government's priority to enhance connectivity with neighbours and in the wider Indian Ocean Region.
The direct passenger ferry service between Sri Lanka and India will provide an efficient and cost-effective means of travel for the people of the two countries, boost tourism and trade links and strengthen people-to people ties. The ferry will also enhance economic activity around the two ports and invigorate local economies.
It may be recalled that direct air connectivity between Chennai and Jaffna, which was suspended during the Covid pandemic, was resumed in December 2022. Enhancing direct connectivity with the Northern Province of Sri Lanka complements Government of India's other ongoing development initiatives in the region. The External Affairs Ministry of India said in its statement.
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed on this occasion via video.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations.
Taking X Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, "Ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations."
The milestone event was flagged off jointly by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation and External Affairs Minister of the Government of India earlier today.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar posted on X: "Flagged off the ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka today morning. Thank PM @narendramodi and President @RW_UNP for their inspiring addresses. Appreciate my colleague @sarbanandsonwal ji and Minister Nimal de Silva of SL and the Tamil Nadu Government for their presence at the event. This ferry symbolizes the Modi Government’s commitment of Neighborhood First, SAGAR, improving ease of living and the easier to do business commitment. Wish the crew and passengers of this ferry a pleasant journey."
External Affairs Ministry said that Vessel Cheriyapani traveled with 50 passengers on its inaugural journey to Sri Lanka and will return back to India by evening with passengers from Sri Lanka.
The External Affairs Ministry said in its statement that the Governments of India and Sri Lanka will continue to work towards commencement of ferry services between other ports, including the traditional route between Rameswaram- Talaimannar.
