Colombo-Tutticorin ferry next month

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

The much awaited ferry service between Colombo and Tutticorin will commence next month. The MoU in this regard was singed last Friday.

The service will operate on a daily basis with India ferring four vessels and Sri Lanka three. Minister of Ports and Highways, Rohitha Abeygunawrdane said that Ceylon Shipping Corporation has been nominated to operate the service from Sri Lanka.

He said that each vessel would be able to carry around 300 to 400 passengers. "The fare would be around 30 percent less than an air ticket," he said. Each passenger would also be allowed to carry 100 kilograms and the journey would take around seven hours.Meals will be provided on board.

Minister said that the Colombo harbour passenger terminal is now neglected and it would be completely refurbished by the end of this month.

"We will also introduce an immigration and emigration office similar to the Colombo airport," he said. In addition special arrangements would be made for passengers to enter and exit from the port without a hassle," he said.

Currently tickets will be available from the Shipping Corporation and soon they would also be issued to travel agents and web booking too is also on the cards. Minister said the under the second stage, a ferry service from Rameshwaran to Talaimannar will commence by the end of the year," he said.