Ah, behold the news from New Delhi: Setting sail once more is the passenger ferry service, traversing between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. A venture initiated back in October 2023 by the esteemed Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), it shall recommence its voyages on May 13, marking a new chapter of maritime connectivity.
Operated under the banner of India Srilanka Ferry Services, a private entity meticulously chosen by SCI in tandem with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL), this service promises convenience and accessibility, ensuring seamless travel experiences for all passengers involved.
To sweeten the deal and make it all the more enticing, the Government of India has generously decided to shoulder the financial burden, covering relevant charges and operational expenses at Nagapattinam port, allocating over LKR 25 million per month for a span of one year.
Mirroring this spirit of cooperation, GOSL has reciprocated by slashing the deviation tax imposed on passengers embarking from Sri Lanka via passenger vessels and ships. Let’s not forget the substantial grant of USD 63.65 million extended by the Government of India to GOSL, earmarked for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, a project initially slated for execution under a Line of Credit agreement.
This resumption of ferry operations echoes India’s steadfast dedication to Sri Lanka’s economic rejuvenation, echoing the sentiments of solidarity and shared prosperity.
Underlining the importance of maritime ties, it’s worth recalling the joint vision document for economic collaboration, forged during the visit of the Sri Lankan President to India in July of the preceding year. This reaffirmation of the ferry service underscores the people-centric ethos of the Indian government, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its inception in October 2023.
For Modi, connectivity transcends mere geographical proximity; it’s about fostering deeper bonds between nations and their citizens. With the launch of initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, announced during the G20 summit in India in September 2023, the people of Sri Lanka stand to gain manifold, as avenues for multimodal connectivity flourish.
Looking ahead, the partnership between India and Sri Lanka is poised for further augmentation, spanning realms from electricity grid interconnection to the establishment of a two-way multipurpose pipeline and the creation of a land connectivity economic corridor. The future, indeed, brims with promise and potential.
