As per news sources, India and Sri Lanka would launch a passenger ferry service between Kankesanthurai port in Jaffna province and Pondicherry the following month.
Nimal Siripala de Silva, the minister of ports, shipping, and civil aviation, told Colombo Page that plans had been made to launch the ferry service next year.
What Did Minister Say Regarding India and Sri Lanka Ferry Service?
As per the publishers, India Sri Lanka would launch a tourist ferry service between Kankesanthurai Port in the Jaffna region and Pondicherry the following month. Nimal Siripala de Silva, the minister of ports, shipping, and civil aviation, told Colombo Page that plans had been made to launch the ferry service next year. According to the news portal, the minister claimed that the Indian government had permitted the service to continue.
On the Jaffna Peninsula, many Indian citizens work in commerce. The new ferry service is anticipated to provide a significant international income with such involvement. Additionally, it will be incredibly convenient for Buddhist travelers to India, added the minister.
There has been an announcement that passenger services have begun to operate from south India to Trincomalee and Colombo in Sri Lanka. He emphasized that, as of the right moment, no definitive decision has been made regarding the start of the ferry service connecting India and Thalaimannar
Both Countries Will Benefit From This Ferry Service
De Silva further said that the decision to start the India and Sri Lanka boat service was based on requests from the people of both nations.
In the minister’s account, the ferry owners highlighted that to maintain passenger service, the ports’ current facilities need to be enhanced further.
The minister gave urgent orders to the secretary of the ports, shipping, and civil aviation ministry to create facilities for customs, immigration, and emigration, as well as other amenities, at the ports of Sri Lanka by official public procurement.
How Long Will It Take for One Trip?
According to ferry owners, the new India and Sri Lanka service ferries can accommodate 300 to 400 passengers on trips that last roughly three and a half hours. A single trip would cost USD 60 (about LKR 21,000) per passenger, and each person may bring up to 100 kilograms of luggage, according to the ferry proprietors.
Also Read: The President Droupadi Murmu Meets The King Charles III Ahead of The Queen’s Funeral in London
