Passenger ferry service is slated to commence from next month between India and Sri Lanka. The ferry service will connect the Kankesanthurai port in Jaffna district and Pondicherry.<br />'' <br />'' Sri Lanka's Ports and Shipping minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said, the Indian government extended consent for the service.<br />'' <br />'' The minister said, passenger transport services will also be started from south India to Trincomalee and Colombo in Sri Lanka.<br />'' <br />'' Mr. De Silva added that this step of starting the ferry service was taken on the demand of the people of both countries.<br />'' <br />'' Steps are being taken to develop infrastructure related to customs, immigration and emigration, and other facilities at the Sri Lankan ports.<br />'' <br />'' The vessels under the new service will carry 300 to 400 passengers on a trip. The ferry would take about three and half hours between destinations.<br />'' <br />''Ferry owners suggested that they would have to charge 60 dollars equivalent to 5 thousand rupees per passenger for a single journey and that each passenger could carry up to 100 kg of luggage.<br />