Date:30/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/11/30/stories/2005113002600700.htm

Back Fast ferry service between S. India, Colombo soon

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Nov. 29

A NEW fast ferry service linking South India with Colombo is to start soon, the Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Mr Udaya Nanayakkara, has said.

"The ferry service has been approved by the Sri Lankan Government. There are some issues on the Indian side. The initiative of the private sector of the two nations will provide a daily ferry service to the people," he said.

Besides, thenational airlines, SriLankan, is also looking at increasing flights to India, Mr Nanayakkara added.

"The airline is looking to operate flights to Ahmedabad and Goa. The flight to Goa will help offer international tourists the option of having a two-destination holiday in India and Sri Lanka," he pointed out.

At present, SriLankan operates 88 weekly flights from Sri Lanka to India.

The start of the ferry service and increase in flights by SriLankan are likely to see an increase in tourist arrivals from India to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Tourism officials said there had been more than 21 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from India to Sri Lanka till September this year compared to the same period in the previous year.