After a four decade hiatus, a passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka resumed operations on Saturday, marking an important development in strengthening bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
The ferry service connecting Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam port and Sri Lanka’s Kankesanturai port in the Northern Province was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Historical Connectivity Revived
In his address, PM Modi emphasized that the ferry service brings alive the historical and cultural connections between India and Sri Lanka.
He recalled poet Subramania Bharati’s famous song ‘Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai’, which spoke of a bridge connecting the two countries. The Prime Minister said this new ferry service is an important step in enhancing connectivity and bringing the two countries closer.
PM Modi noted that the ferry service will boost trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. He added that it will create new opportunities for the youth of both nations.
#WATCH | At the flag-off ceremony of the ferry service between Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, PM Narendra Modi says, "Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector. India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as… pic.twitter.com/9we33b6anL
— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023
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Part of Vision for Economic Partnership
The Prime Minister highlighted that connectivity is a central theme of the India-Sri Lanka partnership. He said that during President Wickremesinghe’s recent India visit, the two leaders jointly adopted a vision document for the bilateral economic partnership.
The resumption of the Nagapattinam-Kankesanturai ferry service is part of this larger vision to strengthen connectivity between India and Sri Lanka across sectors like transport, energy and digital payments.
Promoting Stronger Ties
In his remarks, President Wickremesinghe called it an important step in increasing connectivity between the two neighbors. He thanked PM Modi and the Shipping Corporation of India for their role in restoring this connectivity, which promotes stronger people-to-people bonds.
The Sri Lankan leader noted that the connectivity was disrupted earlier due to the civil war. With the return of peace, this critical connectivity has been reestablished.
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MoU in July
According to a press release by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the two countries held discussions on strengthening connectivity and resuming ferry services during a virtual meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee on July 14 this year.
The meeting was held under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Sri Lanka on passenger transportation by sea. The productive discussions culminated in the agreement to resume ferry services, as it would boost trade, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Symbolic Fare for Inaugural Journey
As a promotional gesture, Indian authorities announced a special symbolic fare of ₹2,800 (including taxes) for passengers taking the ferry service on October 14, which marks its inaugural journey.
This one-day fare represents a 75% discount on the regular ticket price. The ferry service was originally slated to resume on October 10, but administrative issues led to delays.
The resumption of the India-Sri Lanka ferry service, after remaining suspended for nearly 40 years, underscores the priority both nations attach to strengthening connectivity and economic cooperation. This inauguration marks the embarking of a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
India Sri Lanka ferry service launched earlier today: https://t.co/TqMF90KpCn pic.twitter.com/B17ehO0K5O
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 14, 2023
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