On Saturday, the launch of a passenger ferry service between India’s Nagapattinam and Sri Lanka marked the beginning of a new era in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Modi said that India and Sri Lanka are beginning a new chapter in their diplomatic and economic relations, and that the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanturai is a significant step towards strengthening their ties.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will improve connectivity, boost trade, and strengthen the long-standing ties between the two nations. He also mentioned the song “Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai” by the great poet Subramania Bharati, which speaks of a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka, and said that the ferry service brings those historical and cultural connections to life.
Prime Minister Modi noted that the ferry service brings to life all of the historical and cultural connections between India and Sri Lanka. He also mentioned that during the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe, the two leaders jointly adopted a vision document for their economic partnership, with connectivity as the central theme. Modi said that connectivity is essential for bringing the two countries closer together, enhancing trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties, and creating opportunities for the youth of both countries.
Prime Minister Modi also recalled that in 2015, a direct flight between Delhi and Colombo was launched. He noted that this was followed by the first international flight landing in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka. Modi said that the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is another important step in this direction of improving connectivity between the two countries.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the launch of the ferry service between India and Sri Lanka is a significant step in improving connectivity between the two countries. He noted that the war in the north had disrupted connectivity, but now that peace has returned, it is possible to reestablish it. Wickremesinghe said that he had discussed this with Prime Minister Modi and thanked him and the Indian Shipping Corporation for their role in making it happen.
On July 14, 2023, the India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee held virtual discussions on ways to strengthen connectivity and resume ferry services between the two countries.
The India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee, which was established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Passenger Transportation by Sea, held productive discussions on July 14, 2023, to explore the resumption of ferry services between the two countries at mutually agreed-upon ports. Both sides agreed that the resumption of ferry services would boost regional trade and tourism, as well as promote stronger people-to-people ties.
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On Thursday, Nagapattinam Shipping Harbour Department officials announced a special fare of ₹2,800 (including ₹2,375 and 18% tax) for passengers traveling on the ferry on October 14th. This promotional offer represents a 75% discount from the regular fare. The passenger transportation ship was originally scheduled to resume operations on October 10, 2023, after a four-decade hiatus, but due to administrative complications, the departure was postponed to October 12 and then again to October 14.
