In a major diplomatic milestone, a high-speed passenger ferry service connecting India and Sri Lanka has been reinstated on October 14, 2023, rekindling a connection that lay dormant for nearly 40 years. The inauguration of this international ferry route occurred at Nagapattinam, situated on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Kankesanthurai, located in the northern province of Sri Lanka. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, E.V. Velu, presided over the departure ceremony of the craft from Nagapattinam port on that significant Saturday.

The high-speed vessel, known as the HSC Cheriyapani, embarked on its journey at approximately 8:15 a.m. from Nagapattinam port. It carried 50 passengers and was crewed by a team of 12, led by Captain Biju George.

In a series of video messages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe lauded this diplomatic achievement and underscored the significance of reinstating this ferry service between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi described it as the beginning of a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. He emphasized how the ferry service would play a pivotal role in bolstering cultural, commercial, and civilizational ties between the two countries. Furthermore, he announced India's intention to explore the resumption of ferry operations between Rameswaram and Talaimannar, further strengthening connectivity.

President Wickremesinghe regarded this development as a crucial stride towards enhancing connectivity between the two nations. He pointed out that people from both countries had historically traversed the Palk Strait but lamented that the ferry services had been halted during the Sri Lankan civil war. Now, with the resumption of this service, connectivity has been reestablished.

The ferry service's operation is expected to foster cultural connections between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka's northern province, as Minister Sonowal highlighted. He also pointed out that the proximity of Nagapattinam to several religiously significant sites, including Thirunallar, Nagore, and Velankanni, would ease the journey for pilgrims from Sri Lanka.

Union External Affairs Minister S. Jai Shankar, addressing the event remotely, expressed that this launch aligns with India's "neighbourhood first" policy. Additionally, it is anticipated to enhance cooperation in areas such as disaster management, maritime security, and business facilitation between the two nations.

The inaugural ceremony was virtually attended by Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Aviation of Sri Lanka, and Gopal Bagalay, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Minister de Silva extended his gratitude to the Indian government for its contribution to various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka.

India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service to Boost Trade, Reinforce Bilateral Bonds: PM Modi