The proposed ferry service between Sri Lanka and India will be launched next month.

The Sri Lankan and Indian Governments have signed the MoU already.

Sri Lanka Institute of National Tour Guide Lecturers Chairman Joe Livera told Daily News Business that this will enable economy class travellers to shuttle between the two countries with less hassle.

He said the first ferry is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka mid next month and thereafter the vessel will touch Colombo three times a week.

The old passenger ferry of the Colombo harbour has been fully refurbished to cater to the anticipated influx of passengers with all the infrastructure facilities. They will be allowed to carry 100 kgs.

Livera said it will be an advantage for economy class travellers coming to South India hoping to visit Sri Lanka and those who are engaged in small-scale business.

The journey takes eight hours by sea and transport will be provided from the jetty. On-line visa services has been arranged.

The cost will be around Rs 8,000.

Livera said most of the tourist arrivals are from India during the recent past and this will boost the movement of tourist travel between the two countries.
(DN-19052011)