India and Sri Lanka are working towards bolstering the connectivity between the two nations. Both countries are exploring possibilities to strengthen air connectivity through airport infrastructure development, ferry services, and sea ports among others.
The decision was highlighted during the recent visit of Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha to Sri Lanka’s northern province where he stressed the need for improved connectivity between the two countries.
“He participated in diverse engagements during the visit, attesting to the “deep-rooted nature of the bilateral partnership as also India’s firm commitment to deepening socio-economic and cultural ties with Northern Province,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement on Sunday.
The newly-appointed Indian envoy completed his three-day maiden visit to the island nation’s north on Saturday, the communique further added.
Multi-mode connectivity
During his visit to the Palaly Airport, he stressed on strengthening air connectivity through infrastructure development at the airport, the High Commission statement mentioned.
Notably, Sri Lanka sought India’s financial assistance in 2023 to extend the runway at the Palaly airport in the aftermath of India’s Alliance Air beginning Chennai-Palaly flights.
Jha emphasised connectivity while visiting the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port and the Talaimannar Pier and asserted the need for expeditious resumption of ferry services between the two countries.
Hybrid renewable energy project
In India’s endeavour to contribute towards addressing the energy needs of islands off Jaffna, the Indian envoy also assessed the readiness for early rollout of the hybrid renewable energy systems project in Nainativu Island.
Notably, the project is being implemented in the Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu Islands of the island nation through grant assistance from India.