Ferry Services Between India and Sri Lanka to Resume, Says Geshan Dissanayake
Passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka will resume this year, according to Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Sri Lanka’s High Commission in India. The Talaimannar pier is also being repaired to facilitate future travel from Rameswaram.
The announcement was made during the third Outbound Tourism Summit organized by FICCI in New Delhi. The ferry service, initially launched in October 2023, was halted due to bad weather. The high-speed ferry, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, will cover the 110 km distance in approximately 3.5 hours.
Both governments are working to improve port facilities to support the service. Dissanayake highlighted the historical ties between India and Sri Lanka and the potential for increased tourism and connectivity between the two nations.
He also mentioned that Sri Lanka is promoting MICE tourism and destination weddings to attract more Indian tourists. Despite climate change concerns, Sri Lanka is currently not facing any severe impacts but is experiencing more rain than usual.
The minister declined to comment on the ongoing maritime dispute involving Indian fishermen, stating it is a political issue outside his area of expertise.
Doubts Revealed
Ferry Services -: Ferry services are like boat rides that take people from one place to another over water. They are used to travel between two places separated by water.
India and Sri Lanka -: India and Sri Lanka are two neighboring countries in South Asia. India is a big country, and Sri Lanka is a smaller island nation to the south of India.
Nagapattinam -: Nagapattinam is a town in the state of Tamil Nadu, which is in the southern part of India. It is located near the coast.
Tamil Nadu -: Tamil Nadu is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, temples, and beautiful beaches.
Kankesanthurai -: Kankesanthurai is a town in the northern part of Sri Lanka. It has a port where ships and ferries can dock.
Geshan Dissanayake -: Geshan Dissanayake is a person who works for the Sri Lankan government in India. He helps with business and trade between the two countries.
Minister Counsellor (Commercial) -: A Minister Counsellor (Commercial) is a person who helps with business and trade matters between two countries. They work at the embassy or high commission.
Sri Lanka’s High Commission in India -: Sri Lanka’s High Commission in India is like an office where Sri Lankan officials work to maintain good relations with India. It is similar to an embassy.
Talaimannar pier -: A pier is a structure built out into the water where boats can dock. Talaimannar pier is located in Sri Lanka and is being fixed so that ferries can use it.
Rameswaram -: Rameswaram is a town in Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its temples and is close to Sri Lanka.
High-speed ferry -: A high-speed ferry is a fast boat that can travel quickly over water. It is used to transport people and sometimes vehicles.
110 km distance -: 110 km is the distance between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka. It is about the same as traveling from Chennai to Pondicherry.
3.5 hours -: 3.5 hours is the time it will take for the high-speed ferry to travel from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai. It is a little longer than a school day.
