New Rs.450mn passenger terminal at KKS Port unveiled

• Cordelia becomes first cruise liner to call at Kankesanturai Port, Jaffna
• Marks new era of martime travel and tourism for Northern region

MV Empress docked at the outer harbour

Sri Lanka has unveiled a new passenger terminal at the Port of Kankesanthurai (KKS Port), Jaffna, at a cost of Rs.450 million, opening a new era of maritime travel and tourism for the Northern region.
The passenger terminal which was declared open by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva on June 16 was constructed by Sri Lanka Ports Authority. 
The MV Empress, the first luxury vessel from India’s Cordelia Cruises became the first cruise liner to call at the Port of Kankesanthurai.

Once under the control of the Sri Lanka Navy, Port of Kankesanthurai served its nation during the turbulent period of the civil war. The present government recognising the immense potential of the port, took a decision to transform it into a tourist port between India and Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, has launched a new programme for a luxury passenger vessel service  to the terminal on a weekly basis. 
The implementations will also facilitate other passenger vessels of international standard from India to call at the port. The new terminal will facilitate 200 passengers at a time. 
Under the development activities of the Port of Kankesanthurai in future, further constructions of the prevailing jetty, construction of two new jetties and a warehouse are also scheduled.

Cordelia Cruise’s MV Empress, which called at the Port of Kankesanthurai was docked at the outer harbour and passengers were facilitated via passenger boats to the terminal and were facilitated with passenger clearances at the terminal. 
The MV Empress boasts 796 cabins across five distinct categories, each filled with state-of-the-art amenities, providing unparalleled luxury and comfort to its 1,600 passengers. The vessel embarked on its inaugural sailing to Sri Lanka from the Port of Chennai on June 5th.

The travel and aviation arm of Advantis Group serves as the General Sales Agent, while Clarion Shipping, a subsidiary of the Advantis Group, acts as the Port Agent for Cordelia Cruises in Sri Lanka.

To mark the maiden call of the vessel at the KKS Port, a special plaque exchange ceremony also took place between Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Captain of MV Empress Denis Korop