The Cabinet has approved a proposal related to the promotion of maritime passenger transport between Sri Lanka and India.
Accordingly, approval has been granted to reduce the deviation tax currently charged to passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and passenger ships to USD 5 and USD20 respectively.
It has also been proposed to grant a free baggage allowance of up to 60 kg to a passenger travelling to India by passenger vessels.
The government said it has been recognized that the promotion of maritime passenger transport between Sri Lanka and India has the potential to promote the tourism industry by providing increased access to tourists from both countries and through improved connections, to encourage cooperation in the fields of cultural exchange, arts and sports.
To achieve this, it is essential to introduce a low-cost travel and transportation fee system, the government pointed out.
Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation in this regard. (NewsWire)
