In a historic moment, the ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Jaffna, was inaugurated on October 14, 2023. The high-speed ferry, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, marked the revival of sea connectivity between Tamil Eelam and Tamil Nadu after a hiatus of 40 years.
The journey commenced from Nagapattinam port in the morning with 50 passengers and staff on board, reaching Kankesanthurai at 12:20 pm.
Indian Deputy Ambassador Rakesh Nadraj Jayapaskaran flagged off the ship's return journey from Kankesanthurai to Nagapattinam at 1:20 pm, carrying 31 passengers. The ferry service holds significant economic and diplomatic importance for both regions.
A one-way fare of INR 27,000 per person and 53,500 Sri Lankan rupees for a two-way trip has been established, with a free baggage allowance of up to 50 kilograms. It is hoped that the initiation of this ferry service will strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two Tamil regions.
In a speech delivered on the occasion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the historical significance of the ferry service, emphasising the shared cultural and economic heritage between India and the island.
"Nagapattinam and towns near-by have long been known for sea trade with many countries, including Sri Lanka. The historical port of Poompuhar has been mentioned as a hub in ancient Tamil literature. Sangam age literature like Pattinappalai and Manimekalai speaks about boats and ships moving between India and Sri Lanka. Great Poet Subramania Bharti in his song ‘Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai’, had spoken of a bridge connecting our two countries. This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections," said Prime Minister Modi.
