Passenger Vessel “Vadatharaki” resumes service on completion of repairs by Navy

Transportation between the islands of Punguduthivu and Delft was severely disrupted due to the non-operational condition of "Vadatharaki" – a Passenger Vessel deployed by the Road Development Authority to transport passengers and goods between Kurikadduwan Jetty on Punguduthivu Island and Delft Island in Jaffna. Following major repairs done by the Navy, the Passenger Vessel resumed its usual service commencing from 15th July 2021.

Ten (10) naval personnel, as its crew, man this Passenger Vessel which is deployed as a welfare measure for islanders by Road Development Authority (RDA). Responding positively to a request of the RDA, Sri Lanka Navy undertook repairs to the non-operational "Vadatharaki" in March 2021, after having towed the vessel all the way from Kankesanthurai harbour to the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee.

In a short span of time, the Navy was able to complete all repair work and finally making the ship fully operational, even amidst the pandemic situation. Subsequently, the vessel resumed its service effective from 15th July for the benefit of the communities in the island sector. Moreover, the Navy’s effort to get the passenger vessel back to operational condition was highly admired by government officials and the general public in Jaffna and Delft Island.