Ferry service MOU signed

7 January 2011 11:56 am Views - 5629

A new ferry service from Sri Lanka to India will be commencing soon and the MoU in this regard was signed between the two countries at the Temple Tress a short while ago, the Ports and Highways Ministry said.

A ministry official said that the Ceylon Shipping Corporation will be operating three passenger ships from the Colombo harbor to the Tuticorin harbor in India which will in turn operate three ships as well. “There will be six ships traveling between the two countries three days a week,” the official said.

He said the ferries can transport 300-500 passengers and could cost less than 30% of what one would spend on a plane ticket. He said that each passenger is allowed to carry baggage of 100kg and trip takes about 8 hours by ferry.

“The ferry service is to cater to the needs of Sri Lankan and Indian businessmen, tourists, and for those who travel between the two countries regularly. Furthermore it will further enhance the ties that Sri Lanka shares with India,” he said. (Olindhi Jayasundere)