After several delays, the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam, India, and Kankesanthurai (KKS), close to Jaffna in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, was reopened on Friday, August 16. The service was first introduced in October 2023.With about 50 people on board, the private ferry “Sivagangai,” operated by IndSri Ferry Services, finished its inaugural voyage between Nagapattinam and KKS in about 4 hours. The Indian Consul General in Jaffna greeted the passengers at the KKS port.The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated, “This resumption of ferry service is a testament to the broader effort to enhance maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.”The Government of India has decided to provide financial assistance of over LKR 25 million per month, for a period of one year, to cover relevant charges and operating costs at Nagapattinam port in order to make service more affordable for passengers.
“Ferry service between India and Sri Lanka has been restored.”
In a similar vein, the Sri Lankan government has lowered the deviation tax that is currently levied on travellers departing the country via ships and passenger boats.Recall that the Government of Sri Lanka has also received grant assistance from the Government of India totalling USD 63.65 million for the rehabilitation of KKS Harbour. Originally, this project was supposed to be carried out through a Line of Credit.
According to the statement, this is consistent with India’s commitment to aiding Sri Lanka in its efforts to move forward and prosper while working closely with it. “This service’s resumption highlights both nations’ commitment to bolstering bilateral relations through enhanced connectivity, as outlined in the joint vision document for economic partnership that was adopted during the President of Sri Lanka’s visit to India in July 2023.”
The Indian High Commission also stated that future plans entail the investigation of new routes and services that will increase connectivity and foster economic cooperation.
