PM Modi Launches Ferry Service Connecting India-Sri Lanka, Says ‘Ushering In New Era Of Ties’

While highlighting the importance of people-to-people ties, tourism and trade in promoting opportunities for growth for both countries, he said, “Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer.”

During his speech, PM Modi emphasized the extensive maritime trade history of Nagapattinam and neighbouring towns. He also referenced the song ‘Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai’ by poet Subramania Bharati, which speaks of a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. According to PM Modi, the ferry service revives these historical and cultural connections.

Prime Minister Modi reflected on his 2015 visit to Sri Lanka, where there was a particular emphasis on enhancing air connectivity between the two nations. Subsequently, in 2021, the first international flight from Sri Lanka to Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, carried sacred Buddha relics. PM Modi was among the attendees at Kushinagar, marking a significant event aimed at fostering Buddhist ties between the two countries. The introduction of the ferry service aligns with the shared vision established during the recent visit of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to India.

“Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector,” said PM Modi while presenting fintech, energy, and digital payments as other areas that tie the two sides closely.

“Be it restoration of railway lines connecting North to South; construction of the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre; roll out of emergency ambulance service all across Sri Lanka; or the multi-speciality hospital at Dick Oya we are working with a vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, ” PM Modi added. The Prime Minister also highlighted the India Middle East EU Economic Corridor launched during the G20 summit and said the connectivity project will benefit Sri Lanka as well.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a video message shared during the event called the launch of a ferry service between the two nations an “important step” in increasing connectivity.

In a video message on the launch of the ferry service, Wickremesinghe said, “This is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. For thousands of years, people have traversed the Palk Strait to travel from the Indian subcontinent to this island and from Sri Lanka back to the Indian subcontinent. This is how our culture has developed. This is how our trade developed.”