Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of the newly launched ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, underscoring its role in strengthening bilateral relations. The Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off the service, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar participating virtually.
During the launch event, PM Modi noted that this ferry service represents a fresh chapter in the diplomatic and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka. He highlighted the deep-rooted history of culture, commerce, and civilization that both nations share. Historically, Nagapattinam and neighboring towns have been known for their maritime trade connections, particularly with Sri Lanka, and ancient Tamil literature even references the port of Poompuhar as a significant hub for these exchanges.
PM Modi recalled the great poet Subramania Bharti’s song ‘Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai,’ which spoke of a bridge connecting the two countries, and he stated that this ferry service resurrects the historical and cultural links. He stressed that connectivity is a fundamental aspect of the partnership between India and Sri Lanka, and their joint vision document for economic cooperation, agreed upon during President Wickremesinghe’s recent visit, emphasizes this.
The Prime Minister pointed out that enhanced transport connectivity cooperation between the two nations has been in progress since 2015. Various developments, such as the launch of direct flights between Delhi and Colombo following his 2015 visit to Sri Lanka, have brought the two countries closer. Subsequently, they celebrated the first international flight landing in the pilgrimage town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka, and a direct flight between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019. The new ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is another crucial step in this direction.
The ferry service from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai Harbour in Sri Lanka offers a quick 30-minute journey. The Union Government invested Rs 3 crore to dredge the Nagapattinam harbor, facilitating this service.
