The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, I.S.H.J. Ilukpitiya, announced today that the passenger ferry service between India’s Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Jaffna is scheduled to resume on May 13.
Despite several previous attempts being canceled due to adverse sea conditions, the service is now set to recommence. The rough seas had previously caused multiple cancellations of the service.
The long-awaited resumption of the ferry service occurred on October 14, 2023, with the arrival of the 'Cheriyapani' passenger ferry at the Kankesanthurai port, marking the end of a 40-year hiatus.
Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, welcomed approximately 50 passengers and the crew of the 'Cheriyapani' on its inaugural voyage. The event was commemorated with an exchange of plaques.
The 'Cheriyapani' is a high-speed vessel owned by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), measuring 35 meters in length and 9.6 meters in beam, with a capacity to accommodate 150 passengers.
The journey from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai port takes approximately four hours and is priced at 26,750 Sri Lankan rupees for a one-way trip and 53,500 Sri Lankan rupees for round trips
