Consulate General of India

Jaffna

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PRESS RELEASE

Commencement of ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai

1. 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 the Consul General Shri. Raakesh 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 Sivabalasundaran and Secretaries of the Fisheries and Shipping Ministry. 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.

2. 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 benefitted the people and the local economy. CG pointed out that air connectivity has led to tourists inflow of 10,000 in a short span of 06 months, while luxury Cordiela cruise led to another 6,000 passengers visiting SL. Consul General said that increase in tourists, visits of commercial delegations from India, and Indian business houses exploring investment opportuntiies has benefited Sri Lanka. 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 Minister of Ports and Shipping will be taken into consideration and efforts will be made to incorporate it in the Expression of Interest. CG further said that all the sectors of Sri Lankan economy will start to see the benefits coming out of this air/sea connectivity and this is India's committement to Sri Lanka's economic recovery.

3. Consul General 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 on 18th and 20th October to ensure comfort of the passengers and ensure there were no procedural delays or issues in their travel.

4. A few representative photographs are enclosed.

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Jaffna

17th October 2023