The revival of the ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin is seen in Sri Lanka as a tangible sign of the enormous change in the security environment after the defeat of the LTTE. In New Delhi, the ferry is being celebrated as a symbol of warmer bilateral ties. Priced cheaper than air travel and boasting a casino and restaurants, the nine-deck ferry is expected to appeal especially to middle-class travelers. Each passenger is allowed 100 kilograms of free baggage and another 100 kilograms at minimal cost, meaning small traders and businessmen will likely benefit, the website said.
Tuticorins residents are looking forward to economic opportunities the ferry will bring, P Sekar of the Coastal Peoples Federation, a network of civil society activists and fisherfolk from Tuticorin, told Asia Times Online.
The ferrys frequency, it currently undertakes the 14-hour journey twice a week, is expected to increase in the coming months. Another service linking Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu with Sri Lankas northern province of Talaimannar is being planned and will begin once port infrastructure in both towns is developed. - Asia Times