The much-awaited passenger Ferry service is all set to resume operations after the north-east monsoon disrupted it last year.
The ferry service will operate between the beautiful city of Jaffna’s Kankasanthuraya and the bustling Nagapattinam port in South India.
This presents a unique opportunity to further expand transportation between the two countries.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has announced that ticket sales agencies have already started selling tickets for the Kankasanthuraya to Nagapattinam ship service.
This service was operated from October 14 to October 23, 2023, and was highly appreciated by passengers. The ferry service is popular amongst tourists for its scenic views and comfortable travel.
A special privilege for the people of both countries
After a gap of 41 years, the Indo-Sri Lanka passenger ferry service has resumed, starting on October 14, 2023.
This is a significant moment for the people of both countries, as the service operates from Nagapattinam Port in South India to Jaffna, Kankasanthuraya Port, providing a special privilege for those looking to travel between Jaffna and India.
This new ferry service is expected to bring more excellent connectivity and promote tourism and trade between these countries.
However, it’s important to note that travellers must have a visa to enter India, and the Indian High Commission has made plans to issue visa applications for Sri Lankan citizens within three days of applying for the maritime service.
Here’s how to buy a ticket
If you are a visa holder planning to travel to and from India, you now have the option to use a passenger ferry service. The cost for this service is 53500 rupees.
You are allowed to bring your luggage with a maximum weight of 50 kg. The passenger ship departs from Nagapattinam port in India at 8:00 am sharp and sails to Jaffna.
To board the ship from India, you should arrive at Nagapattinam port by 5:00 am. This has been announced by the Indian High Commission.
Once you board the ship, you’ll have a comfortable journey to Kankasanthuraya Port, Jaffna, which is scheduled to arrive at 11:00 a.m.
The journey typically takes 3 hours. However, depending on the sea conditions, the arrival time may change.
From Kankasanthuraya Port, the cruise back to Nagapattinam, India, is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. If you plan to travel by ship, you should arrive at Kankasanthuraya port by 9:30 a.m.
The Sri Lanka Port Authority has established special offices for immigration, customs inspection, and drug raid units in the Kankasanthuraya port area, ensuring the safety and security of all passengers.
Additionally, [specific safety measures] have been implemented on board the ship. So you can sit back and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
The spring after the war
After years of conflict between Sri Lanka and the LTTE, the resumption of the passenger ship service between these two countries is a momentous event.
The ship service, suspended during the war against terrorism, is now poised to facilitate the movement of people between the two nations, symbolising a new era of peace and cooperation.
Following the end of the war against terrorism in 2009, discussions began between the authorities of Sri Lanka and India regarding the resumption of the ship service. By 2011, the two countries signed an agreement to resume this service.
Sri Lankans are known for their interest in visiting the famous temples in South India. India is anticipating many Sri Lankan tourists visiting their country to explore and experience the beauty of these renowned temples.
To support this, the Tamil Nadu state government has implemented a special program that includes [details of the program] to provide necessary tourist facilities.
