Lanka to acquire two ships for ferry service

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Sri Lanka Shipping Corporation would acquire two passenger ships to be deployed for the Colombo-Tuticorin ferry service which would commence from February.

Deputy Minister of Ports and Highways Rohitha Abeygunawardena told Sunday observer that they are currently negotiating with some European operators in this regard. "We hope to obtain the two vessels on a long-term wet lease," he said.

He said that due to economic recession in Europe they would be able to secure a good deal when obtaining these two ships.

He said that India has already pledged to provide three ships for the service and they are likely to operate four times a week while Sri Lanka would operate three services per week.

"We are looking at providing something different to the passenger and are hoping to acquire vessels that would have a sleeping facility," he said. The minister disclosed plans to sail in the night so that passengers could sleep throughout the eight-hour journey.

Special shuttle services would be introduced to take passengers and cargo to the harbour passenger terminal which would not hamper the smooth progress of the cargo operations of the port. This would not compromise security at the Colombo harbour, Abeygunawardane said.

Modern security methods similar to those at the Colombo airport would be introduced at the passenger terminal.

He said that he has already had a series of discussions with Customs, Immigration and Navy authorities with regard to the passenger service.

"We are currently in the process of refurbishing the passenger terminal which is in bad shape. This would be modernised to meet the demands and needs of around 800 passengers per day".

He said the service, while strengthening the ties between the two countries, would also give an opportunity for the less affluent to visit another country for the first time. It would also be a boon to pilgrims from all religions, he said.

Tuticorin is known as Thoothukudi in Sinhala and Tamil. Also popularly known as the 'Pearl City', Tuticorin is a seaport that serves Tamil Nadu, as well as the inland cities of Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli. The city, which lies about 540 km South West of Madras in the Gulf of Mannar, has a tropical climate with hot and humid environs round the year.