NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, OCT 14
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually flagged off the much-awaited ferry services between India and Sri Lanka.
Flagging off the ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister said that “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 ferry services between the two nations will enhance the connectivity further and promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bond between the nations, he said.
Ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations. https://t.co/VH6O0Bc4sa
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2023
In his address he mentioned poet Subramania Bharati’s Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, PM Modi said, “Great poet Subramania Bharati, in his song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, had spoken of a bridge connecting our two countries (India and Sri Lanka). This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections.’’
A historic day in 🇮🇳🇱🇰 relations!
Inaugural ferry from Nagapattinam, India reaches Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka.
Resumption of ferry link will overcome the four-decade long absence of regular service and bring the two economies, peoples and civilisations further closer. pic.twitter.com/qr3tSmP0zt
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) October 14, 2023
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.”
Officials from the Nagapattinam Shipping Harbour Department on Thursday announced on Thursday that they are introducing a special fare of ₹2,800, which includes ₹2,375 and an 18% tax, as a promotional offer for passengers travelling on the ferry on October 14th (for a single day). This rate represents a 75% reduction from the regular price.
He also 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”
Flagged off the ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka today morning.
Thank PM @narendramodi and President @RW_UNP for their inspiring addresses.
Appreciate my colleague @sarbanandsonwal ji and Minister Nimal de Silva of SL and the Tamil Nadu… pic.twitter.com/zyNxvaQLdp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) October 14, 2023
According to a release from the High Commission of India, Colombo, “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 India-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.
