India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee established under MOU on Passenger Transportation by Sea held a virtual meeting on 14th July 2023. The two sides were led respectively by Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of the Government of India and Mr. K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation of the Government of Sri Lanka.
The productive discussions focused on resumption of ferry services between the two countries connecting mutually agreed points. Both sides agreed that resumption of ferry services will boost regional trade and tourism and promote stronger people-to-people ties.
The Joint Committee identified a number of areas for mutual cooperation for operationalization of ferry services in the near future, and desired to take further steps based on mutual understanding.
The Joint Committee was recently reconstituted by the Governments of India and Sri Lanka as per the provisions of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Passenger Transportation by Sea, signed in 2011.
