COLOMBO : After the passenger ferry service from India’s Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Sri Lanka flagged off on Saturday, Oct, 15 .
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that both countries were embarking on a new chapter in their diplomatic and economic relations.
Prime Minister Modi said, “We are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. The launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and KKS is an important milestone in strengthening our relations.”
Prime Minister Modi said the ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between the two neighbouring nations.
Quoting poet Subramania Bharati’s Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, Premier Modi said, “The great poet Subramania Bharati, in his song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, had spoken of a bridge connecting our two countries (India and Sri Lanka). This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections.” “During the recent visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India, we jointly adopted a vision document for our economic partnership. Connectivity is the central theme of this partnership. It is to bring our countries closer. It enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. It creates opportunities for the youth of both countries.”
PM Modi said that in 2015, direct flights between New Delhi and Colombo were launched. “Later, the first international flight landed in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka. The ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction.” Speaking from Colombo, President Wickremesinghe said, “This is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. The connectivity between the two countries was disrupted due to the war in the North and now peace has returned and we can re-establish the connectivity. I discussed this with Prime Minister Modi and I must thank him and the Indian Shipping Corporation for the role they have played in re-establishing this connectivity”.
Both leaders also tweeted about the resumption of the ferry service on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to a press release issued by the High Commission of India, Colombo, “The discussions on strengthening connectivity and resumption of ferry services between the two countries were held virtually by the India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee on July 14 this year.” The India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee was formed as a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Passenger Transportation by Sea. The productive discussions focused on the resumption of ferry services between the two countries connecting mutually agreed points. Both sides agreed that the resumption of ferry services would boost regional trade and tourism and promote stronger people-to-people ties, the release stated.
The passenger transportation ship was originally set to launch operations on October 10. However, due to administrative complications, the departure was postponed for October 12, and subsequently delayed further to October 14, as reported by ANI. Sri Lanka is planning to ease visa regulations for Indians and India too now allows Sri Lankans to apply for e-visas. – Mint
