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Merchant Shipping Secretariat opens in North to regulate coastal passengers traffic
View(s):At the first ever Government Merchant Shipping Secretariat in the North, a new office was declared open this week to develop and regulate coastal passenger transportation services in the Jaffna peninsula.
Rs. 50 million has been allocated for further development of this secretariat by Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga who participated in the event as the chief guest on Friday in Kayts.
According to the Port Ministry these funds will be used to improve the reliability of vessels used for the passenger transportation service, creation of piers on islands in the peninsula, ensuring the safety of passengers and for monitoring of vessels.
The Minister said the Government’s development programme will be taken forward without any discrimination as the North needs rapid development for promoting reconciliation and unity in the country.
Currently the coastal passenger transportation service is available at five islands in the peninsula – Nagadeepa, Delft, Analathivu, Eluvathivu and Karaitivu. The shortcomings in the passenger transport service such as lack of insurance and no proper timetable are expected to be addressed shortly.