The commencement of ferry service between Nagapattinam (India) and Kankesanthurai (KKS) and the flights from Chennai to Jaffna will help to improve all the sectors of the Sri Lankan economy, said Consul General (CG) of the Indian Embassy in Jaffna,Shri. Raakesh Nataraj
This air/sea connectivity between India and Jaffna is another commitment by India towards Sri Lankan economic recovery, he said. The CG stated that once the ferry service is fully operational, the suggestion about introduction of a larger vessel to run in all weather conditions, as put forth by the Minister of Ports and Shipping will be taken into consideration and efforts will be made to incorporate it in the Expression of Interest.
Consul General in his address stated that the commencement of ferry service is an important link in the connectivity between India and SL and highlighted how the daily flight service between Chennai-Jaffna and luxury Cordelia cruise has benefited the people and the local economy. The CG pointed out that air connectivity has led to tourists inflow of 10,000 in a short span of 6 months, while luxury Cordiela cruise led to another 6,000 passengers visiting SL.The Consul General said that increase in tourists, visits of commercial delegations from India, and Indian business houses exploring investment opportunities has benefited Sri Lanka.
The ferry service between Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai (KKS), Jaffna commenced on October 14, 2023. The passengers (50) who arrived at KKS on the maiden ferry were welcomed at the port by CG Nataraj, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, SLFP Parliamentarian Angajan Ramanthan, PLOTE Leader and Parliamentarian D. Siddharthan, Northern Province Governor P.S.M. Charles, Government Agent of Jaffna Siva Balasundaran and other officials.
The Consul General also saw off the first batch of passengers on the return voyage and flagged off the ship’s return journey from Kankesanthurai to Nagapattinam at 1:20 pm, carrying 31 passengers.
The CG also interacted with the passengers to get feedback about the ferry service. Officials from the Consulate General of India, Jaffna will also be visiting Kankensanthurai during October 18-20 to ensure comfort of the passengers and ensure there were no procedural delays or issues in their travel.
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