High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay appreciated the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) for deciding to recommence ferry services between Sri Lanka and India in order to boost tourist arrivals between both countries.

He made this remark yesterday (1) during the launch of a marketing campaign targeting the Indian market, “And You Thought You Knew Sri Lanka”, at Ramada Hotel. 

“I am appreciative of the decision of the Government of Sri Lanka to resume ferry services between India and Sri Lanka. I think once we resume the services, it will add to the dimension of two-way tourism between our countries. Why shouldn’t we (India and Sri Lanka) do it?”

He also stressed the fact that when promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination to Indian travellers, to not underestimate religious tourism, assuming it is only for the elderly or middle-aged. 

Highlighting the civilisational and historical ties between the two nations, Baglay said that two-way tourism is also “the best way” to promote Sri Lanka, as India is undergoing a transformation with the “Digital India” initiative, which would result in internet users in the country promoting Sri Lanka. 

Speaking of flights, the High Commissioner said increasing the number of flights between the two countries would also have a positive impact on Sri Lanka in increasing the number of Indian tourists.