Kankesanthurai Port offering new ferry services between Sri Lanka and India
Last Friday, new passengaer services were inaugurated between the two South Asian countries. For Ports Minister de Silva, this will boost “longstanding ties” and “tourism”. The Sri Lankan Navy played a key role in the construction by providing manpower and expertise.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – New passenger ferry services between India and Sri Lanka were inaugurated following the expansion of the passenger terminal in Kankesanthurai Harbour by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Following the work’s completion, the new services began last Friday with the opening to the public of the expanded facility. This is expected to boost sea connections between the two countries.
The first ship that docked at the facility was the MV Empress, a luxury cruise liner packed with tourists.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva. Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda, and the Commander of the Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon, were also present.
In his address, Minister de Silva praised the Sri Lankan Navy for the rapid completion of the project, which was done in a record time, allowing for a quick start to ferry services.
"The passenger ferry service project is part of a larger effort to strengthen longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka, with a focus on improving tourism,” the minister said.
“The Navy's involvement not only resulted in significant cost savings but also expedited the delivery of anticipated project benefits to the public," he added.
Under orders from Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Navy played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Kankesanthurai harbour facilities by providing manpower and expertise, in response to a request from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation.
Work on the passenger terminal began on 1 February, with the construction of the immigration and customs clearance facilities. The Navy also renovated the jetty and built several additional structures. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority provided the building materials needed for the project.
As its first act, the new terminal welcomed passengers from the MV Empress, whose captain and crew were happy to be part of this milestone in the country’s maritime history.
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