Cabinet approval has been granted to deploy a new passenger ferry on the Delft–Jaffna sea route under the “Prajashakthi” National Programme.
The decision comes amid challenges in maintaining safe passenger maritime transport between the Jaffna Peninsula and outlying islands such as Delft, as existing facilities are inadequate to safely accommodate a large number of passengers at a time.
Under the programme, the government has identified the need for a passenger ferry capable of transporting around 150 passengers at a time on the Delft–Jaffna route.
Accordingly, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to have the ferry constructed by Ceynor Foundation Ltd. and operated through the Delft Development Society, established under the Department of Samurdhi Development.
The revenue generated through the operation of the ferry will be used to support the livelihood development of low-income communities in the Delft area, including members of the Delft Development Society.
The initiative is expected to improve maritime connectivity between Delft and the Jaffna mainland while supporting the economic development of vulnerable communities in the area.
