Sri Lanka and India agree to MoU on ferry service between the two countries

Sri Lanka and India have agreed on and initialed the text of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for passenger transport by sea between the two countries.

A press release from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said the MoU would be signed by the two countries after the necessary internal processes are completed. The ferry services between Colombo and Tuticorin and Thalaimannar and Rameswaram will be initiated after signing the MoU.

A delegation led by Secretary of India's Ministry of Shipping K. Mohandas visited Sri Lanka from 14-15 October to hold discussions with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Ports and Aviation on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on passenger transportation by sea between the two countries. The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Secretary, Ministry of Ports and Aviation K.V.P. Ranjith de Silva.

The High Commission said the two sides were meeting consequent to the decision contained in the Joint Declaration issued on 9 June 2010, following the talks between Sri Lankan President and Indian Prime Minister, on the need to speedily restore the traditional links between the two countries and to resume the ferry services between Colombo and Tuticorin and between Thalaimannar and Rameshwaram.