“India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations and the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone in strengthening the relations,” said PM Narendra Modi during the launch of the ferry service between the two neighbours.
A historic addition to India-Sri Lanka relationship, ferry service between Nagapattinam, India and Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka has been launched today, October 14. The ferry link between India and Sri Lanka resumed after four decades. It will spur the economies and bring the people closer. This connectivity will enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, and also create new opportunities for the youth of both countries.
During the launch of the service, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the ferry service will help a lot, is cost-effective, affordable and time-saving. It will take about 3-4 hours for people to reach Sri Lanka from India.
Both the nations share a history of culture, commerce and civilization. Nagapattinam and nearby towns have been known for sea trade with many countries including Sri Lanka. Further, the historical port of Poompuhar finds a mention as a hub in ancient Tamil literature.
During his address, PM Modi spoke about Sangam age literature like Pattinappalai and Manimekalai which describe the movement of boats and ships between the two countries. He also touched upon the great poet Subramania Bharti’s song ‘Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai’, which mentions a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. He further added that the ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections.
During the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister informed that a vision document was jointly adopted for an economic partnership with the central theme of connectivity.
It is important to note that in 2015, direct flights between Delhi and Colombo were launched. In 2019, direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna began and now the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is another important step in enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
“Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector”, the Prime Minister emphasized as he underlined that India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fin-tech and energy. Noting that digital payments have become a mass movement and a way of life in India due to UPI, PM Modi informed that both governments are working on fin-tech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay. He also touched upon connecting the energy grids between the two nations to enhance energy security and reliability as energy security is crucial for the development journey of both India and Sri Lanka.
PM Modi also emphasized that partnership for progress and development is one of the strongest pillars of India – Sri Lanka’s bilateral relationship. “Our vision is to take development to everyone, leaving none behind,” he said. The Prime Minister stated that the projects implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have touched the lives of the people.
He further informed that several projects related to housing, water, health, and livelihood support have been completed in the Northern province and expressed delight in extending support for the upgradation of the Kankesanthurai Harbour. “Be it restoration of railway lines connecting North to South; construction of the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre; roll out of emergency ambulance service all across Sri Lanka; or the multi-speciality hospital at Dick Oya we are working with a vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, PM Modi added.