Ferry services between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, initiated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) in October 2023, are set to recommence tentatively on May 13, 2024. The operation will be managed by the private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, chosen by SCI in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).
To ensure the service’s affordability and appeal to passengers, the Government of India will cover applicable taxes, relevant charges, and operational costs at Nagapattinam port, amounting to over LKR 25 million monthly for a year. Additionally, GOSL has decreased the deviation tax for passengers departing Sri Lanka via passenger vessels. Notably, India has granted USD 63.65 million to GOSL for KKS Harbour rehabilitation, initially designated under a Line of Credit, demonstrating India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and collaborative progress.
The revitalization of maritime connectivity aligns with the economic partnership vision document jointly adopted during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to India in July 2023. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized during the service’s launch in October 2023 that connectivity is about bringing nations and their people closer, highlighting the benefits for Sri Lankans from the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor launched during the September 2023 G20 summit. This underscores India’s dedication to bolstering multimodal connectivity with Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, connectivity initiatives with Sri Lanka will expand to include electricity grid interconnection, a two-way multipurpose pipeline, and the establishment of a land connectivity economic corridor, further enhancing bilateral ties.
