New Delhi: The ferry service between Nagappatinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai near Jaffna in the northern province of Sri Lanka commenced on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as an important milestone.
He said: "India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations."
Hailing the launch, New Delhi said that the "direct passenger ferry between India and Sri Lanka will provide an efficient and cost-effective means of travel for the people of the two countries, boost tourism and trade links and strengthen people-to-people ties". It will "also enhance economic activity around the two ports and invigorate local economies".
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi said that the two nations are also "working on fin-tech sector connectivity by linking (Indian digital payments platform) UPI and Lanka Pay" and that the two countries are also "connecting our energy grids to enhance energy security and reliability".
The Prime Minister added that the two nations "will also work towards resuming the ferry service between Rameshwaram (India) and Talaimannar (Sri Lanka)".
Lauding it as a big step, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar said that India follows a "neighborhood-first" policy with a focus on connectivity, cooperation, and contacts. And that is exactly what we are seeking to do through this ferry service.
The external affairs minister also credited the Prime Minister. "Such steps are a natural decision by a Prime Minister who has Tamil Nadu so close to his heart and who has taken so much interest in the welfare of all in Sri Lanka.
After all, who can forget that Modiji was the first Indian Prime Minister ever to visit Jaffna? This commitment is also seen in support for housing projects, cultural centres, and hospitals in Sri Lanka."
"In the future, we are looking at grid connections, pipelines, and economic corridors. And of course, support for all in Sri Lanka to live with equal dignity and equal rights," Mr Jaishankar said, adding, "This is a Prime Minister who thinks big but always thinks practical... Now we see it in this Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka ferry as well."
The high-speed ferry launched on Saturday and operated by the Shipping Corporation of India has a capacity of 150 passengers. "Vessel Cheriyapani travelled with 50 passengers on its inaugural journey to Sri Lanka and will return to India by evening with passengers from Sri Lanka," New Delhi said.
"The distance of about 60 nm (110 km) between Nagapattinam and KKS will be covered in approx. 3.5 hours depending on sea conditions," it said.
It added that the connectivity move on Saturday was in line with the announcement made by the leaders of the two countries in July this year during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe to India.
At the launch, the Prime Minister, in his video message, said, "During the recent visit of Mr Wickremesinghe, we jointly adopted a vision document for our economic partnership.
Connectivity is the central theme of this partnership. Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer. Connectivity enhances trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties. It also creates opportunities for the youth of both countries."
The Prime Minister further said, "India and Sri Lanka share a deep history of culture, commerce and civilization... This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections."
