The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the reply to the question asked under Standing Order 27(2) on 2025.08.21 by Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan is as follows:

¶ 02 1. To commence this passenger service, Cabinet approval has been obtained to conduct a preliminary feasibility study, and action is being taken accordingly.

¶ 03 2. There is no ferry service operating at present. However, upon completion of the feasibility study, we will be able to present information.

¶ 04 3. As I stated earlier, steps have already been initiated to conduct the feasibility study. After that study, we will be able to present information.

¶ 05 4. In 2011, an MoU was entered into between Sri Lanka and India. Under Article 4 of that MoU, the establishment of a Joint Committee was proposed. That Committee has, on several occasions, discussed development projects in the North including Talaimannar. Following those discussions, we believe it will be possible to prepare plans and proposals to address potential challenges.

¶ 06 5. After the feasibility study and the necessary technical and environmental assessments, if approval is obtained to commence the ferry service, we believe passenger and cargo transport can be carried out via sea at a lower cost, and particularly provide transport facilities for religious pilgrims.