Expressions of Interest called for halted Indo-Sri Lanka ferry service
The Morning: Calling for Expressions of Interest (EoI) was opened for the passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka that was halted despite its commencement on 10 October this year, The Daily Morning Business learnt.
Speaking to The Daily Morning Business, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva stated: “We (Governments from India and Sri Lanka) have already advertised and looking for anybody interested from the private sector to permit to commencement of the ferry service from KKS (Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Sri Lanka) to Nagapattinam (in Tamil Nadu, India), covering around 60 nautical miles.”
He added that due to the monsoonal rain, the said ferry service had to be stopped.
Speaking of the sudden halt of the passenger service, Minister de Silva explained that earlier it was run by The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) Limited, an enterprise of the Government of India. They have deployed a small vessel for passenger transportation. However, the Indian Shipping Corporation has no other vessel to deploy.
“However, because of the monsoonal rain, they (Indian Corporation) need to find a bigger vessel. Now they have decided to call several parties for Expression of Interest. Anyone selected from India can come and work on our ferry and we are waiting for that. From our end (Sri Lanka’s), there is no problem.”
Times of India reported that the said vessel named Cheriyapani was designated for ferry service and can accommodate up to 150 passengers.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation in Sri Lanka built a passenger terminal in Kankesanthurai (KKS) port with the support of the Sri Lanka Navy at an approximate cost of Rs. 144 million. Meanwhile, it has also been decided to establish two immigration and emigration offices, one each in KKS and Karaikal to facilitate the passengers.
As reported, the ferry service charges will start from $ 50 per passenger for a one-way trip with a baggage allowance of 100 kg.
OSL take
Sri Lanka and India enjoy strong bilateral and trade ties that have been further strengthened by an operational free trade agreement (FTA). These trade ties are to be further enhanced through the proposed ETCA agreement that is being negotiated at present. Sri Lanka’s close proximity to India has resulted in the two countries being linked on several key economic sectors including tourism and investments. While India is one of Sri Lanka’s key development partners engaged in many development projects in the country, there are many Indian businesses that are operating in Sri Lanka as well. The growth and profits recorded by Indian businesses in Sri Lanka is a clear indication of the business potential in the country. All these are indicative of the close ties between Sri Lanka and India. It is also important that there’s strong connectivity between the two countries. There are many direct flights between Sri Lanka and main cities in India. The proposed ferry service between the two countries would see a further strengthening of trade, business and tourism ties between the two countries. Given the growth and business potential in Sri Lanka and the ties between the two countries, Indian businesses/investors or any other foreign business/investor could confidently explore the expanding opportunities in Sri Lanka while also looking at opportunities in the development of connectivity between Sri Lanka and India.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20240103/Z_3 |