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| The ferry ‘Sivagangai’ is run by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services at KKS harbour, Jaffna after resumed operations on August 16, 2024. Pix: Indian High Commission |
The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna, which was earlier launched in October 2023, has resumed today (August 16).
The ferry ‘Sivagangai’ run by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, completed its maiden journey between Nagapattinam and KKS in approximately 4 hours with around 50 passengers on board. The passengers were welcomed at the KKS port by the Consul General of India at Jaffna, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.
In order to make service more affordable for passengers, the Indian government has decided to provide financial assistance of over Rs 25 million per month, for a period of one year, to cover relevant charges and operating costs at Nagapattinam port, the statement said.
Similarly, the Sri Lankan government as well has reduced the deviation tax currently charged to passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.
Meanwhile, India has also extended a grant assistance of USD 63.65 million to Sri Lanka for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, which was earlier envisaged to be undertaken under a Line of Credit. "This is in line with India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's economic recovery and its journey towards progress and prosperity, in close partnership with India,"
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