Call to expedite India ferry service
Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI
Plans are underway to commence a ferry service from Thalaimannar to
India’s Rameshwaram with BOI approval in the near future.
|
Nahil Wijesuriya |
East West Pvt Ltd Chairman Nahil Wijesuriya has requested the BOI to
renew the approval granted in 2002 to commence a ferry service which is
an investment of Rs 400 million.
This will accelerate the economic activity desired by the Government
between the two countries.
Wijesuriya said the company could commence work as soon as the MOU
for passenger services between India and Sri Lanka is signed with India.
He said the passenger service with the Ship MV Ramanujan ceased with
the cyclone that washed away the Indian Railway Pier at Dhanushkodi in
1994 which was 19 miles closer than Rameshwaram. At that time there was
considerable traffic due to the estate labour using this service.
Although things have changed since then the company is willing to take
that calculated risk.
He urged the Government’s backing as there is a huge potential for
trading between India and Sri Lanka.
He was confident of commencing the service in less than two months of
obtaining the approvals in Sri Lanka and India.
The BOI had initiated action with Indian authorities too and this
needs to be pursued.
The company has obtained the concurrence of the Navy to use their
facilities in Thalaimannar.
The SAARC Transport Ministers Meeting endorsed this service last
year. |
