Ferry service connecting India to Sri Lanka by mid-January: Minister

• Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva chairs progress review meeting to resume ferry service between India-SL
• Plan to connect South India via Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, and Colombo ports
• Confirms Indian Government
• green-lighted ferry service
• Says ferry service will boost foreign exchange revenue, boost trade, tourism, cultural ties 
• Ferry operators say cost per passenger at $ 60 with 100 kg cargo capacity 
• Minister orders to take immediate action to upgrade facilities for Customs, Immigration and Emigration Depts. at all three ports

The Government has decided to recommence the ferry service connecting India and Sri Lanka by mid-January boosting trade, tourism and cultural ties between the two countries.

A progress review meeting on the preparedness of the initiative to connect South India via Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, and Colombo was chaired by Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday. 

Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Immigration and Emigration Department Controller General I.S.H.J. Ilukpitiya, officials representing Government organisations and passenger vessel owners attended the review meeting.

“The new ferry service will be commenced in mid-January between KKS and Pondicherry as the initial step. The Government of India has extended consent for the service,” the Minister revealed. 

Pointing out that a large number of Indians are engaged in business activities in Jaffna Peninsula, Minister de Silva said with such engagement, the new service ferry is expected to generate a considerable amount of foreign exchange income. 

He also said that it will be of immense convenience for Buddhist pilgrims to India.

During the discussion, ferry owners said that they plan to charge $ 60 per passenger for a one-way journey, adding that they can carry up to 100 kg of luggage. The vessels under the new service will carry around 300 to 400 passengers on a trip that will take about three and half hours between destinations.

They also informed the Minister that the existing facilities at the aforementioned ports should be improved further to maintain a higher level of service.

Minister de Silva directed the Ministry Secretary to take immediate action to develop infrastructure for Customs, Immigration and Emigration, as well as other facilities, at Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, and Colombo ports in accordance with Government procurement procedures.