23 June 2016 10:03 am
Sri Lanka is to amend the Boats Ordinance to develop and facilitate the coastal passenger and cargo transportation in the Jaffna peninsula and the adjoining islands. This was revealed at a press conference held yesterday to announce the Cabinet decisions. The proposal to this effect had been made by Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and was approved by the Cabinet. People in Jaffna’s nearby islands, including Delft and Nagadeepa, use boat transportation for their daily needs. In addition, pilgrims also use boat transportation for visiting places of worship. However, lack of boats, minimum jetty facilities and the lighthouse, which needs renovation, remain as hindrances developing a proper passenger and cargo network.