Nagapattinam, Kankesanthurai Ferry Service backed

The Government of India has extended financial assistance for the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai passenger ferry service for an additional year.

This is the third consecutive year of Indian financial support for the ferry service, which resumed in August 2024.

This extension demonstrates India’s ongoing commitment to regional connectivity and stronger people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The support is provided through the Viability Gap Funding mechanism and totals nearly LKR 300 million per year.

This assistance helps maintain affordability and operational sustainability by covering key logistical and operational costs, under terms similar to last year.

Since August 2024, the ferry service has transported approximately 52,000 passengers, significantly contributing to cultural, economic, and social exchanges between India and Sri Lanka.

The service represents a key milestone in revitalizing maritime connectivity between the two countries.

Ongoing financial support for the ferry service aligns with the shared vision for enhanced maritime connectivity, reaffirmed during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to India in December 2024 and the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025.

Plans include rehabilitating Kankesanthurai Harbor with an Indian grant of $65 million and exploring additional routes and services to further expand maritime connectivity and deepen economic and people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka.