The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to introduce a new passenger ferry service operating between Delft Island and Jaffna under the ‘Praja Shakthi’ national programme. The initiative is designed to resolve existing transit constraints and provide safe, reliable transport for large volumes of commuters traveling between the Jaffna Peninsula and its outlying islands, particularly Delft.
Under the approved framework, a new vessel with the capacity to carry approximately 150 passengers at a time will be deployed on the Delft-Jaffna sea route. Sinor Foundation Limited has been designated to manufacture the ferry, ensuring the route receives a dedicated vessel tailored for high-capacity passenger transit.
Key Developments
- The Cabinet of Ministers sanctioned a new ferry service linking Delft Island and Jaffna under the ‘Praja Shakthi’ national programme.
- The vessel will carry around 150 passengers per trip, addressing safety and capacity concerns across the Jaffna Peninsula’s outer islands.
- Sinor Foundation Limited will manufacture the vessel.
- Operational management will be overseen by the Delft Development Society under the Department of Samurdhi Development.
- Proceeds from the service will be reinvested into livelihood support for low-income communities in Delft.
Operation of the transport service will be managed by the Delft Development Society, which was established under the Department of Samurdhi Development. Revenue generated through ticket sales and operations will be channeled back into the local economy to fund livelihood development programs for low-income residents in Delft, including participating members of the Development Society.