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The proposed passenger cruise service between India and Sri Lanka will commence from next August, the Ministry of Port Development and Shipping said.

According to a Ministry press release a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries with regard to the cruise service will be signed in July.

The initial round of talks regarding the cruise service was held between the Minister of Port Development and Shipping, Rauf Hakeem and his Indian counterpart Prakash Goyal in New Daily last month. The decision to sign the MOU was taken following the second round of talks held in Tuticorin last Monday.

The representatives of the two countries agreed to launch the cruise service as soon as the infrastructure facilities in with regard to Customs, immigration and emigration and health services would be arranged within the next couple of weeks.

The cruise service will initially operated from Colombo to Tuticorin. The two countries have decided to ensure the vessels used in the service meet with international safety standards and have best facilities.

The two shipping authorities of the two countries will hold another round of talks in the coming weeks.

The proposed cruise service is expected to benefit pilgrims, tourists and those who travel on business purpose as it would cost less than air travel. 

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