India bears Sri Lanka ferry costs for one year

5 May 2024 01:57 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards relevant charges and operating cost at Nagapattinam port to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year for the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS).

The passenger ferry service, which was launched in October 2023 by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), will tentatively resume on May 13, 2024. It will be operated by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, selected by SCI in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).

In order to make the service affordable and attractive for passengers, the Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year.

Similarly, the GOSL has reduced the deviation tax currently charged from passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.

It should be recalled that the Government of India has also extended a grant assistance of USD 63.65 million to the GOSL for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, which was earlier envisaged to be undertaken under a Line of Credit.

Comments - 19

Jude Sunday, 05 May 2024 03:37 PM

Its already very cheap for someone from South India to fly to Jaffna Airport. What's the reason to make it even cheaper? Is there a hidden agenda between RW and Indian Government? Is the ferry precursor to a bridge that will ultimately allow Indian takeover of Sri Lanka? Have you not learn from the Visa fiasco? That's exactly what they will do if you allow them in. Give them an inch, they will take a mile.

Sam Aussie Monday, 06 May 2024 10:36 AM

Hey Jude, From which country are you writing . Australia gave you an inch and you have almost taken over Australia.

Kandyan expat Sunday, 05 May 2024 04:16 PM

Good move. Something long overdue to connect South India and northern SL. Most insecure Sri Lankans will not like the idea, but economically this is the way to go. I would even support a bridge connecting the two countries.

Samantha Monday, 06 May 2024 01:46 AM

I think you must be from plantation community. You have the right to express your view but definitely it will not be in Sri Lanka's interest in the long term.We are not insecure but we don't to be dictated by a big dragon. We want to be independent and not be a threat to the big dragon but just be good neighbours and not live in each others house.

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 05 May 2024 06:15 PM

Like the high interest credit line that paved the way for dumping substandard goods and capture of strategic assets, they have calculated their longer term benefits to far exceed the amount they spend.

Sambo Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:09 PM

Our so called leaders should be held responsible for harsh decisions they make. Air service from India to Sri Lanka, boat service and also even establishing a roadway. Are we going to be made a colony of India by our politicians.

Nava Lanka Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:47 PM

There are more poor people in both countries, particularly in the northern province of Sri Lanka and state of Tamil Nadu in South India and if both countries can remove travel restrictions and taxes and make travel between KKS

Jayasena Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:49 PM

The cost of the 30 years war loss is in Trillions of US Dollars in terms of damage to infrastructure, loss of valuable human resources to war and migration, slow speed of development resulting in other poorer countries overtaking us, negative consequences from migration, decline in inter ethnic unity, loss of national identity, cost of health care for disabled victims of war, money required for human and infrastructure development diverted to war,interest expenses for war related loans, selling off national assets to obtain funds etc etc. Ferry expenses of LKR 300 million can be deducted against this massive loss to the Sri Lankan people.

Thomas Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:51 PM

Good; we can bi-cycle into India.

Saman Sunday, 05 May 2024 08:08 PM

There is no Freebies in this world.......

Kumarasiri Sunday, 05 May 2024 10:32 PM

India is making Sri Lanka less and less independent day by day by making sure Sri Lanka to go though India for everything. Now they talk of the India Mid East Europe Corridor. Why should we go through India to get to Europe. The same game they play in middle east by ensuring bosses are Indian thereby affecting career prospects of Sri Lankans. When will Sri Lanka stand on its own feet

Kumar Ganeshananth Sunday, 05 May 2024 11:56 PM

Ferries should facilitate tourists to bring their car. Driving regulations should allow Indian drivers to drive in SL and Sri Lankans to Drive in India. It will boost tourism. Otherwise flights is more attractive option for more tourists.

Hon. Sarneris Monday, 06 May 2024 09:04 AM

They only want to increase their market size. The ferry will deliver a death flow to all SMEs in Lanka who are already suffering. Out stupid politicians are to be blamed

wsw Monday, 06 May 2024 09:32 AM

We will never ever attract the wealthy Indian market to support our lofty tourism ambitions but most certainly pave the way for cheap Indian type 'boguns' to come to our country. Mark my word, some may never go back others will work illegally. Well done SL politicians, thanks for nothing.

vijay Monday, 06 May 2024 05:25 PM

If the ferry brings loads of cash SL's will be very happy and welcome the Indians with orchid garlands and Kandyan dance

Common traveller Monday, 06 May 2024 07:47 PM

@ wsw- why have a negative mind. In all countries one has wealthy ones who can throw out wealth and the other. What makes you to think that the wealthy won’t come here? The Sri Lankans too may not turn back. Via India they may end up in the UK. UK be aware of your borders !

sach Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:50 PM

SL hardly get anything good from a deal with India

Amith Tuesday, 07 May 2024 07:46 AM

Strange that some people are insecure with increasing connectivity between both countries....

sach Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:50 PM

Awareness is not irrational insecurity

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India bears Sri Lanka ferry costs for one year

Comments - 19

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