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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India to launch a ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin is likely to be signed next month, Port Development and Shipping Ministry sources told the Daily News.

The MoU approved by Sri Lanka's Cabinet and sent to the Indian authorities has been presented to the Indian Cabinet of Ministers for approval. A senior Ministry official said that the Indian shipping Minister is most likely to arrive in Sri Lanka in mid April to sign the agreement with his counterpart here and arrangements have been made to launch the ferry service immediately.

He said the Port Trust of Tuticorin has already started upgrading its passenger terminal. "It would the first ferry service to be operated from the Port of Tuticorin," the official said.

He said the passenger terminal of the Colombo port which had been abandoned for a long time has been renovated to accommodate the ferry service. Offices for Customs and immigration purposes, passenger waiting rooms and health facilities have already been upgraded.

The signing of the MoU had been delayed due to a request by the Indian Government to alter certain clauses in the agreement. The official said that as soon as the MoU is signed licences will be issued to the shipping companies in Sri Lanka and India.

An official of Green Lanka Shipping Company said that his company is keen to operate the ferry service and awaiting the MoU to be signed between the two countries. (C.K)

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