00:00 In a historic move, ferry services between India and Sri Lanka disrupted four decades
00:14 ago due to civil war resumed on Saturday.
00:17 The high-speed ferry operated by the Shipping Corporation of India connects Tamil Nadu's
00:22 Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in the northern province of Sri Lanka.
00:27 The service, covering a distance of 110 km, is approximately 3.5 hours, aims to revive
00:33 ancient maritime connections.
00:35 Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative as an important milestone in strengthening
00:40 bilateral relations.
00:42 "We are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between
00:55 India and Sri Lanka.
01:00 The launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone
01:17 in strengthening our relations."
01:21 The resumption was welcomed by Sri Lankan President Pranil Vikramasinghe, who emphasized
01:25 its potential to enhance connectivity, trade and cultural ties.
01:29 "It is an important step in increasing the connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.
01:36 For thousands of years, people have traversed the Pox trade to travel from the Indian subcontinent
01:45 to this island and from Sri Lanka back to the Indian subcontinent.
01:51 This is how our cultures have developed.
01:54 This is how our trade developed.
01:57 The connectivity between our two countries was disrupted due to the war in the north.
02:05 Now peace has returned and we can re-establish the sea connectivity.
02:12 I discussed this matter with Prime Minister Modi and I must thank him and the Indian Shipping
02:18 Corporation for the role they have played in re-establishing this connectivity."
02:25 The inaugural journey of the vessel Cheri Apani carrying 50 passengers symbolized the
02:30 rekindling of historical and cultural connections.
02:33 Prime Minister Modi highlighted the shared history of culture, commerce and civilization
02:38 between the two nations.
02:44 The ferry service alliance with the joint vision document adopted during President Vikramasinghe's
02:49 visit focusing on connectivity as a central theme for economic partnership.
02:54 It is part of India's broader efforts to enhance connectivity with neighbors in the Indian
02:58 Ocean region.
02:59 Sri Lanka and people of India in Tamil Nadu because this ferry service will help a lot
03:06 because this is cost effective, affordable and also time saving because within a short
03:13 span of time, within three to four hours, people can reach Sri Lanka and also Sri Lankan
03:18 people can come to India.
03:20 So this is I think a great milestone for both of us, particularly I am grateful to Honorable
03:26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of his vision, because of his very, very important
03:32 initiative, because of his blessing this is happening in the country and this will definitely
03:39 strengthen our people in many ways and both of the countries will be benefited in the
03:44 sector of tourism, in the sector of our culture."
03:47 The joint flag off ceremony attended by ministers from both countries marked the beginning of
03:51 a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations.
03:55 Future plans include expanding ferry services between other ports, exemplifying the commitment
04:01 to fostering closer ties between India and Sri Lanka.
04:09 [MUSIC PLAYING]
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