Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
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Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay announced on Thursday that there would be daily operations beginning on 16 July between Chennai and Jaffna, up from four times weekly currently.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 67th Convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), he said the move will further boost connectivity and facilitate easier travel between the two destinations.
In addition, ongoing efforts are being made to revive the long-discontinued ferry service between India and Sri Lanka, which has remained inactive for several decades.
“The increased flights and potential revival of ferry services between Chennai and Jaffna signify a major step forward in bolstering tourism and strengthening bilateral ties. The improved connectivity will not only make travel more convenient for tourists but also promote closer cooperation and prosperity between India and Sri Lanka,” he added.
High Commissioner Baglay also highlighted the significance of the theme “Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives” in fostering the India-Sri Lanka relationship.
“The use of Indian currency in Sri Lanka is set to further boost tourism, as Indian tourists can conveniently use their currency for payments. Efforts are also underway to enable digital payments between India and Sri Lanka, facilitating seamless transactions and promoting a more integrated tourism experience,” he said.
The High Commissioner said these initiatives not only transcend borders but also build upon the common heritage and values that underpin the strong relationship between the two countries.
Noting that the geographical proximity between the two countries has been enriched by a shared history, culture, civilisation, languages, music, films, cricket, democracy, diversity, and harmony he said; visitors to Sri Lanka experience the values cherished by both nations, as exemplified by the legacies of Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi.
The High Commissioner also expressed his appreciation for the partnership between India and Sri Lanka highlighting the recent visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and diplomatic envoys who embarked on an enchanting train journey aboard the Viceroy Special.
He said the journey showcased the captivating landscapes of Sri Lanka, including misty forests, plantation areas, and picturesque views, reminiscent of Vasuri and Nilgiris in India. High Commissioner Baglay emphasised the transformative power of such journeys and how they reflect the close cultural ties and shared values between the two nations.
“I mentioned this not just to reminisce about the beautiful journey through the misty forests, plantation areas, and picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka, but because it reminded me just six months ago, when I visited Ella Nine-Arch Bridge there were hundreds of tourists on either side of the railway track and all over the place. There were tourists from India and other countries. For some of us on the train, it was a stark reminder of how different that moment was from about a year ago,” he recalled.
