India-Sri Lanka passenger ferry service resumes

16 August 2024 08:12 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 14 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 16 (Daily Mirror) - The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka's Northern Province, which was first launched in October 2023, resumed operations today.

The Indian High Commission said that the ferry named ‘Sivagangai’ and operated by IndSri Ferry Services, completed its maiden journey on the route in approximately four hours, carrying around 50 passengers.

The passengers were warmly welcomed at the KKS port by the Consul General of India at Jaffna, marking a significant moment in the efforts to enhance maritime connectivity between the two nations.

To make the ferry service more affordable, the Government of India is providing financial assistance of over LKR 25 million per month for one year to cover relevant charges and operating costs at the Nagapattinam port.

In addition, the Government of Sri Lanka has reduced the deviation tax charged to passengers leaving Sri Lanka by vessels and ships.

Looking ahead, there are plans to explore additional routes and services to expand connectivity and enhance economic collaboration between India and Sri Lanka.

Comments - 14

Local businessman Friday, 16 August 2024 08:23 PM

Can commercial goods be imported / exported via this root ?

3 10

Rip Winkle Friday, 16 August 2024 09:19 PM

... and the comedy continues.

4 10

Soo corrupt Friday, 16 August 2024 10:19 PM

Yes before elections they start so many projects. After elections every things are halted and damaged. Wasted money from tax payers. Corrupt SRI Lanka

2 8

Navi Friday, 16 August 2024 10:39 PM

Is there a visa on arrival scheme for Sri Lankans? If not, its Rip Winkle...

1 4

Ahmed Saturday, 17 August 2024 01:50 PM

You made a good point. They should stop this nonsense if they can't issue on arrival visa to Sri Lankans. If Sri Lanka can do it to high population India they should be able do it too. No excuses should be accepted

1 4

Ranjan Saturday, 17 August 2024 04:42 AM

How much is the Fare two

2 3

Hon. Sarneris Saturday, 17 August 2024 06:49 AM

Can kiss the Lankan SMEs good bye. The little money the Lankan entrepreneurs made will be lost for good when the cheap Indians goods flood the Lankan market.

4 3

Sambo Saturday, 17 August 2024 08:02 AM

This will open the door for big time smuggling.

7 4

Gayan Saturday, 17 August 2024 09:43 AM

Will they have a customs to charge duty or confiscate unauthorized goods? Who will be handling it?

5 4

Harlan Saturday, 17 August 2024 09:57 AM

I am an Australian citizen living in Sri Lanka on a 1 year visa. It is required that I leave the country every 3 months. Can I use this ferry to renew my visa every 3 months?

2 7

Charmzz Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:05 AM

Harlan it's best you contact Immigration department well in advance. My husband is Australian too but living with spouse visa so this doesn't apply. Good luck! I hope you get to sort it out

0 5

Hard Truth Saturday, 17 August 2024 12:30 PM

Dont rely on service. Just travel to Singapore and come back. You can't rely on services based on political interests. With cost of travelling to KKS from Colombo Ferry India Accomodation Ferry KKS to Colombo and time involved to all above. I recommened you to travel Singapore.

0 4

Mani Ratnam Saturday, 17 August 2024 01:22 PM

Nice to hear about spouse visa which was denied to my indian wife and i am Sri Lankan aged 70. I have to go to immigration every 30 days (even if i am far away and sick)to renew and only after six months i can apply foe PR which is valid for 12 months only. The most difficult immigration rules. But foreigners with torist visa are doing business in the South.

0 5

Joshua Saturday, 17 August 2024 11:17 AM

When will it stop?

2 7

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