Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Highways Mrs. Sujatha Cooray and High Commissioner of India in Colombo Ashok K. Kantha ceremonially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Passenger Transport by Sea at Temple Trees today in the presence of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
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The MOU will enable ferry services between Colombo and Tuticorin (Thuthukudi), and Thalaimannar and Rameswaram. The Colombo-Tuticorin service will commence initially.
Issuing a statement the Indian High Commission said the resumption of these services signals an important step in the restoration of the traditional links between the two countries.
According to the High Commission both countries are taking immediate steps to start the passenger ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin where the necessary infrastructure is already in place.
Officials from India and Sri Lanka will discuss the modalities to start the service at a Joint Committee Meeting scheduled to be held on 10-11 January, 2011 in Colombo, the High Commission announced.
"The Shipping Corporation of India has already received Expression of Interest from potential ferry service operators in India and is examining them in order to finalise the grant of a concession to operate ferry services between Tuticorin and Colombo, which could commence shortly," the statement further noted.
The services between Thalaimannar and Rameswaram will commence once the requisite infrastructure is put in place on both sides. An Indian company, IRCON, has already commenced survey work for this purpose to restore the damaged pier in Thalaimannar, the High Commission said.
Deputy Minister of Ports and Highways Rohitha Abeygunawardana, senior officials of the Ministry, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama and Deputy High Commissioner were also present at the event.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
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