Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the launch of ferry
services between Nagapattinam and Sri Lanka’s Kankesanthurai is an important
milestone in strengthening the relations between the two countries.
PM Modi said, “We are embarking on a new chapter in
the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. The launch
of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanturai is an important
milestone in strengthening our relations.”
The Indian Premier further said, “Great poet
Subramania Bharati, in his song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, had spoken of a bridge
connecting our two countries (Bharat and Sri Lanka). This ferry service brings
alive all those historical and cultural connections.”
PM Modi noted that this ferry service brings alive all
those historical and cultural connections.
“During the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe,
we jointly adopted a vision document for our economic partnership. Connectivity
is the central theme of this partnership. It is for bringing our countries
closer… It enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. It creates
opportunities for the youth of both countries.”
PM Modi further recalled that in 2015, a direct flight
between Delhi and Colombo was launched.
“Later, the first international flight landed in
pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka… The ferry service between
Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this
direction.”
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “This
is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri
Lanka… The connectivity between the two countries was disrupted due to the
war in the north and now peace has returned and we can reestablish the
connectivity, I discussed this with PM Modi and I must thank him and the Indian
shipping corporation for the role they have played in reestablishing this
connectivity”
The High Commission of India in Colombo stated, “The
discussions on strengthening connectivity and resumption of ferry services
between the two countries were held virtually by the India-Sri Lanka Joint
Committee on July 14 this year.”
The Bharat-Sri Lanka Joint Committee was formed as a
part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Passenger Transportation by
Sea.
The productive discussions focused on the resumption
of ferry services between the two countries connecting mutually agreed points.
Both sides agreed that the resumption of ferry services would boost regional
trade and tourism and promote stronger people-to-people ties, the release
stated.
Earlier on Thursday, officials from the Nagapattinam
Shipping Harbour Department announced on Thursday that they are introducing a
special fare of ₹2,800, which includes ₹2,375 and an 18 per cent tax, as a
promotional offer for passengers travelling on the ferry on October 14th (for a
single day). This rate represents a 75 per cent reduction from the regular
price.
Reportedly, the passenger transportation ship was
originally set to resume its operations on October 10, 2023, following a
four-decade hiatus. However, due to administrative complications, the departure
was pushed to October 12, and subsequently delayed further to October 14.
ANI
