India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service

Why in the news

• Recently the passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka resumed.
• The service was started in October 2023 between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai near Jaffna in the northern province of Sri Lanka.
• It was soon discontinued due to monsoon.

India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service

• It operates from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka
• The distance is covered in about 3.5 hours.
• It is being operated through the ferry Sivagangai operated by private operator Indusree Ferry Services
• It aims to strengthen bilateral relations, promote tourism and enhance people-to-people ties.

Earlier ferry services

• Earlier the Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail service between India and Sri Lanka operated between Chennai and Colombo via Thoothukudi port from the early 1900s till 1982.
• These services were discontinued due to the civil war in Sri Lanka.