The Indian High Commission announced that the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) suburb of Jaffna district in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is scheduled to resume on May 13. The service, which had been initiated in October last year after nearly 40 years, had to be halted a few days later due to rough weather.
According to a statement by the high commission, the strengthening of maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka was deemed a crucial aspect of the vision document for economic partnership jointly adopted during the visit of the president of Sri Lanka to India in July 2023. The high commission further stated that the resumption of the ferry service signifies the people-centric policies of the Government of India.
The statement added that among India's future connectivity plans with Sri Lanka are the electricity grid interconnection, two-way multipurpose pipeline, and the establishment of a land connectivity economic corridor. India has also provided a grant assistance of $ 63.65 million, covering the entire project cost, to Sri Lanka for the rehabilitation of the Kankesanthurai Port in the Northern Province.
"This gesture aligns with India's steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka's economic recovery and its journey towards progress and prosperity, in close collaboration with India," the statement mentioned.
The Kankesanthurai Port, also known as the KKS Port, situated in the northern region of Sri Lanka, spans approximately 16 acres and is located at a distance of 104 kilometers (56 nautical miles) from Karaikal Port in Pondicherry.