The Southern Provincial Transport Authority in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and private maritime transport operators successfully conducted initial deep-water trial runs for the proposed Galle-to-Kankesanthurai (KKS) coastal passenger ferry service today, October 2, 2026.

Departing from the Galle International Port terminal, the 350-passenger high-speed aluminum catamaran conducted operational maneuvers, emergency sea-keeping assessments, and docking simulations across southern coastal waters. The proposed domestic maritime route aims to connect the southern historic harbor city with the northern port of Kankesanthurai via a direct coastal maritime corridor, offering a comfortable, scenic alternative to congested overland rail and highway networks.

Marine engineers evaluated vessel fuel efficiency, wave dampening performance against open Indian Ocean swells, and passenger terminal boarding bridge compatibility. The vessel is designed with modern aircraft-style seating, climate-controlled passenger cabins, roll-on/roll-off light cargo capacity for regional trade, and advanced satellite navigation systems ensuring safe navigation around maritime exclusion zones.

SLPA operations directors remarked that domestic maritime passenger transport represents an untapped frontier for Sri Lanka's blue economy. Expanding inter-provincial coastal ferry connectivity between the Southern and Northern provinces is projected to foster domestic tourism, facilitate cultural exchange, and provide rapid express freight logistics for southern spices and northern agricultural produce.