Excellencies, Brothers and sisters, Namaskar, Ayubowan, Vannakam!  

Friends,

It is my privilege to join you on this important occasion. We are embarking on a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic relations between India and Sri Lanka. The launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important mile-stone in strengthening our relations.

Friends,

India and Sri Lanka share a deep history of culture, commerce and civilization. Nagapattinam and towns near-by have long been known for sea trade with many countries, including Sri Lanka. The historical port of Poompuhar has been mentioned as a hub in ancient Tamil literature. Sangam age literature like Pattinappalai and Manimekalai speaks about boats and ships moving between India and Sri Lanka. Great Poet Subramania Bharti in his song ‘Sindhu Nadhiyin Misai’, had spoken of a bridge connecting our two countries. This ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections.

Friends,

During the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe, we jointly adopted a vision document for our economic partnership. Connectivity is the central theme of this partnership. Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer. Connectivity enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties. It also creates opportunities for the youth of both countries.

Friends,

Following my visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, we witnessed the launch of direct flights between Delhi and Colombo. Later, we celebrated the landing of the first international flight in the pilgrim town of Kushinagar from Sri Lanka. The direct flight between Chennai and Jaffna began in 2019. Now, the ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is yet another important step in this direction.

Friends,

Our vision for connectivity goes beyond the transport sector. India and Sri Lanka collaborate closely in a wide range of areas such as fin-tech and energy. Digital payments have become a mass movement and a way of life in India due to UPI. We are working on fin-tech sector connectivity by linking UPI and Lanka Pay. Energy security is crucial for our countries to power our development journey. We are connecting our energy grids to enhance energy security and reliability.

Friends,

Partnership for progress and development is one of the strongest pillars of our bilateral relationship. Our vision is to take development to everyone, leaving none behind. In line with this vision, projects implemented with Indian assistance in Sri Lanka have touched the lives of the people. Several projects related to housing, water, health, and livelihood support have been completed in the Northern province. I am glad that we extended support for the upgradation of the Kankesanthurai Harbour. Be it, restoration of railway lines connecting North to South; construction of the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre; roll out of emergency ambulance service all across Sri Lanka; or the multi-specialty hospital at Dick Oya we are working with a vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayaas.

Friends,

You all know that India recently hosted the G20 Summit. Our vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has been welcomed by the international community. Part of this vision is putting our Neighborhood First, sharing progress and prosperity. During the G20 summit, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor was launched. This is an important connectivity corridor that will create a massive economic impact on the whole region. The people of Sri Lanka will also benefit from it as we strengthen multi-modal connectivity between our two countries. I thank the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for the successful launch of the ferry service today. With the beginning today, we will also work towards resuming the ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar.

Friends,

India remains committed to working closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen our bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of our people. Thank you!

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DS/TS