India and Sri Lanka have decided to resume the ferry service between two countries soon and have already put in place the infrastructure for commence the proposed ferry service from Colombo to Kochi.

"We have also already constructed the required local infrastructure to commence the proposed ferry service from Colombo to Kochi and to Tuticorin," said Transport Minister, Dullas Alahapperuma at the second meeting of the SAARC Transport Ministers'.

He said that a ferry connecting Colombo with Kochi in Kerala will create more benefits to both countries as it would significantly reduce the transport cost between India and Sri Lanka.

The ferry service would be one of the key connecting links in strengthening trade, social and cultural interaction among the people of SAARC member states.

To this end, air connectivity between New Delhi and Male in Maldives would also be operationalised.

According to the Minister, after completion of the rail track reconstruction from Colombo to Thalaimannar, the passenger ferry service from Thalaimannar Pier to India will become a reality.

He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed streamlining of the transport service between the two countries.

The possibility of train services between Sri Lanka and India in the future was also discussed during the meeting.