Embarking fresh diplomatic chapter,' declares Prime Minister Modi, about the India-Sri Lanka ferry service

 'Embarking fresh diplomatic chapter,' declares Prime Minister Modi, about the India-Sri Lanka ferry service

On Saturday night Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that we are beginning a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka as passenger ferry operation from India's Nagapattinam to Sri Lanka was set off.

We are beginning a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka, according to PM Modi. In order to improve our ties, the introduction of ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanturai is a significant step.

Modi emphasized further that the ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will improve connectivity, encourage commerce, and deepen the relationships that already existed between our countries.

PM Modi mentioned the song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai by poet Subramania Bharati, saying, "Great poet Subramania Bharati has talked of a bridge uniting our two nations (India and Sri Lanka) in his song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai. This boat service revitalizes all those ties to the past and to other cultures.

PM Modi said that these cultural and historical links are brought to life through the boat service. "We mutually developed a vision document for our economic collaboration during President Wickremesinghe's recent visit. The partnership's overarching concept is connectivity. It aims to deepen the bond between our nations... It improves commerce, tourism, and interpersonal connections. The young of both nations benefit from the chances it affords.

PM Modi also mentioned the inauguration of a direct route between Delhi and Colombo in 2015. Later, the first international aircraft from Sri Lanka touched down at the pilgrim town of Kushinagar. Another significant stride in this approach is the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, the president of Sri Lanka, said: "This is a crucial step in enhancing connectivity between India and Sri Lanka...I spoke with PM Modi about this, and I must thank him and the Indian Transportation Corporation for their roles in reestablishing this connectivity since the two countries' connectivity was disrupted by the war in the north. Now that the peace has returned, we can resume our connectivity.

The India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee virtually discussed improving connectivity and restarting ferry services between the two nations on July 14, according to a news statement from the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Passenger Transportation by Ocean, the India-Sri Lanka the Joint Committee's was established.

The reintroduction of ferry services between the two nations linking mutually agreed-upon places was the subject of the fruitful negotiations. According to the press release, all parties agreed that the restart of ferry services will increase area commerce and tourism as well as foster closer inter-group connections.

Earlier on Thursday, representatives from the Nagapattinam Shipping Harbour Department said that they would be offering a special rate of 2,800 for anyone who use the boat on October 14th (for a single day), which includes 2,375 and an 18% tax. This price is 75% less than what it would normally be.

After a four-decade break, the passenger transport ship was initially scheduled to start running again on October 10, 2023. However, as reported by ANI, the departure was postponed twice, first to October 12 and then to October 14. This was because of administrative issues.