With the aim of further promoting tourism in the Mannar District, arrangements have been made to launch a boat service from Talaimannar, enabling the public and tourists to visit the eight sandbanks associated with Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge). A trial run of the service was conducted today – on Friday 25 September 2026, while the tourist boat service is scheduled to commence on Monday, 28.09.2026.
This tourism initiative is being undertaken as part of a three-day programme in the Mannar District to mark World Tourism Day. A trial run of the new boat service was conducted today – on Friday.
The trial journey was attended by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan; Mannar District Secretary K. Kanakeswaran; Chairman of the Northern Province Tourism Bureau Dr. J. Vivekananthan; and the Divisional Secretary of Mannar Town, among others.
During the visit, the team travelled by boat from Talaimannar to the third sand bank, where they disembarked and inspected the site. The team assessed the location and condition of the sandbanks, the feasibility of transporting visitors to the sites, and the infrastructure and facilities required to facilitate tourism activities in the area.
The team subsequently returned to Talaimannar and examined matters relating to the selection of a suitable site for launching the tourist boat service.
A discussion was subsequently held with local residents, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and other relevant stakeholders, resulting in the identification of a suitable site for the departure and return of tourist boats.
Accordingly, arrangements will be made to commence a tourist boat service from Talaimannar to visit the sand banks from next Monday.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen Mannar District’s marine tourism potential by opening the Rama Setu-associated sand banks to visitors, while generating new employment and income opportunities for local communities through the tourism sector.
