KKS-Pondicherry ferry link Three companies show interest - Minister

• India has offered a credit facility of US $ 45 million to develop the breakwater of the port
• India and Sri Lanka are working on greater connectivity

By Kelum Bandara  

Three companies have shown interest in starting passenger ferry services between Kankesanthurai and Pondicherry of South India, and the authorities concerned are evaluating them at the moment, a Minister said yesterday.  

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Daily Mirror yesterday that the Ministry called for Expressions of Interest and three companies had come forward. He declined to reveal the names of them because the process had not yet been completed.   

The Minister said Sri Lanka Ports Authority had taken steps to develop the Kankesanthurai port located in the northern tip of Sri Lanka. Besides, India has offered a credit facility of US $ 45 million to develop the breakwater of the port.  

India and Sri Lanka are working on greater connectivity. Resumption of flight operations between Jaffna and Chennai is one step in this direction. Indian Union Minister of Fisheries L. Murugan landed directly in Jaffna recently to attend the function to mark the dedication of the India-funded Jaffna Cultural Centre recently.   

• Resumption of  flight operations between Jaffna and Chennai is one step in this  direction