The Government will launch a passenger ferry service between India and Kankesanturai in March.
Preliminary discussions have begun following instructions by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake. Diplomatic level negotiations had been held with the Tamil Nadu State Government for some time and the ferry service is due to commence this year following a positive response.
Discussions have begun on whether the ferry services should follow the route of the Ramayana epic or the passage taken by Sanghamitta Theraniya.
There will be further discussions between the President’s Secretary and government departments on the setting up of an immigration inspection station in Kankesanturai or Mannar, a Customs clearance station and a Ports Authority centre after the commencement of the ferry service.