The Indian High Commission said on Friday that passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka had resumed, highlighting a critical step in fortifying the two countries’ bilateral ties through improved marine connectivity.
Between Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, and Kankesanthurai, the capital city of Jaffna, the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, the ferry conducted its inaugural voyage. “The ferry ‘Sivagangai’ completed its maiden journey from Nagapattinam to KKS, marking a significant step in strengthening ties through enhanced maritime connectivity, fostering P2P ties & boosting economic collaboration,” said official X handle of High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Depending on the state of the sea, it takes around 3.5 hours to travel the 110 km (60 nautical miles) between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai.
Nimal Siripala de Silva, Sri Lanka’s minister of aviation, first announced the ferry service’s return in May and then voiced optimism that it would happen sooner. However, after the service’s introduction in October 2023, there had been three delays in its resuming due to technical issues. The 41-year break was followed by a return in October 2023.
While Sri Lanka was receiving financial help from India totalling over USD 63 million to rehabilitate the KKS harbour, the ferry service was scheduled to resume. The conflict between the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE in the north has caused disruptions to connectivity between the two countries. However, prior to that, for thousands of years, people have crossed the Palk Strait to go to this island from the Indian subcontinent and back, facilitating trade and cultural interchange.