Key Takeaways
- The ferry services between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka aim to strengthen economic ties.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted cultural and historic links during the launch.
- The route connects Nagapattinam port with Kankesanthurai, cutting travel time to three hours.
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the ferry services between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka and termed it as an important milestone that would enhance connectivity between the two Nations and brings the people, countries and the hearts closer.
Mr Modi launched the service via video conferencing from New Delhi when the ferry left Nagapattinam port in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in the Island Nation, marking the commencement of its three hour journey.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations.
“It is my privilege to join you on this important occasion. We are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between india and Sri Lanka. The launch of ferry service between Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) and Kankesanturai (Sri Lanka) is an important milestone in strenghtening our relations”, he said. .
Pointing out that India and Sri lanka share a deep history of culture, commerce and civilisation, Mr Modi said Nagapttinam and towns nearby have long been known for sea trade with many countries including Sri Lanka.
The historical fort of Poompuhar has been mentioned as a hub in ancient Tamil literature and the Sangam age literature like Pattinapalai and Manimegalai speaks about boats and shops moving between India and Sri Lanka.
“Great poets brings the two countries closer, the hearts closer and the people closer”, he added.
He said connectivity enhnaces trade, tourism and people to people contacts. and also creates opportunities for youths of both the countries and recalled the launch of direct flight between Delhi and Colombo during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015 and the resumption of flights between Chennai and Jaffna.
