The passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, India, to Kankesanthurao, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, was inaugurated on 14 October 2023. It is expected to bring the two nations closer together.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked in his speech during the inauguration that connectivity brings countries, people, and hearts closer.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of the revival of the ferry service toward strengthening connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.

The ferry is envisaged to boost religious tourism of both countries. From India, travelers can visit religious sites in Colombo and the southern parts of Sri Lanka. Tourists from Sri Lanka can check out Indian pilgrimage centers such as Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar, and temple towns such as Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tiruchi.

The ferry is also foreseen to boost regional commerce and trade, benefitting traders of both countries.

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