The Norwegian ferry operator, Norled AS, MMBL Pathfinder Group and Aitken Spence are to establish a ferry service linking Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka.

Norled AS is one of Norway's largest ferry and express boat operators.

The first stage of the operation would link Tuticorin to Colombo, before providing a service connecting Talaimannar to Rameshwaram. 

The consortium has already completed a pre-feasibility study. Connectivity between the two countries is strongly encouraged by the two governments. 

The Indo-Lanka ferry service commenced in 1914, connecting Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu with Talaimannar in Mannar in northwest Sri Lanka.

A further stage would provide a service between Colombo to Kochi, in Kerala.