Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a ferry service from Indias Nagapattinam to Sri Lanka virtually on Saturday. He said that during the recent visit of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they jointly adopted a vision document for the economic partnership of the two neighbours.“Connectivity is the central theme of this partnership,” he said. He also called this new development in waterways between India and Sri Lanka an important milestone in straightening the relations between the two countries.In a post on X, he said ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between the two nations.Ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will enhance connectivity, promote trade and reinforce the longstanding bonds between our nations. https://t.co/VH6O0Bc4sa— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2023 PM Modi on India-Sri Lanka ferry service Speaking at the launch of the ferry services, PM Modi said, “We are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. The launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone in strengthening our relations.Underlining that India and Sri Lanka share a deep history of culture, commerce and civilization, PM Modi said, “Nagapattinam and towns nearby have long been known for sea trade with many countries, including Sri Lanka. The historical port of Poompuhar has been mentioned as a hub in ancient Tamil literature. Sangam age literature like Pattinappalai and Manimekalai speaks about boats and ships moving between India and Sri Lanka.”“Great Poet Subramania Bharti in his song Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai, had spoken of a bridge connecting our two countries. This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections,” he added.“Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector. India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as Fintech and energy,” Modi said.Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the ferry service between Tamil Nadus Nagapattinam and Sri Lankas Kankesanthurai. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined the event virtually.
