Sri
Lanka’s Ambassador to Cuba, Sarath Dissanayake presented Credentials on
21st March at the Palace of Revolution in Havana to the Deputy
President of the Council of State of Cuba, Madam Gladys Maria Bejerano
Portela who was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno
Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla. For the presentation, Ambassador Dissanayake
together with his wife and Attache, Anuruddha left the official
residence in a ceremonial motorcade accompanied by Ambassador Luis
Castillo Campos of the Protocol Division of the Foreign Ministry and
Major Braulio Hernandez Martinez of the Revolution Palace.
Upon
arrival at the Palace, the Ambassador and delegation were received by
the Chief of Protocol following which they were afforded a Red Carpet
welcome and a Guard of Honour by the Palace Guards. Thereafter, the
Cuban and Sri Lankan National Anthems were played by the Palace Band.
After
presenting Credentials, Ambassador Dissanayake had an exchange of views
with the Deputy President Gladys Bejerano during which he conveyed the
best wishes of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Cuban President and
for the well being and progress of the people of Cuba. He also recalled
the long standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Cuba and that Sri
Lanka was the first Asian country to recognize the revolutionary
Government in February 1959 which followed the establishment of
diplomatic relations in July that year. While appreciating Cuba’s grant
of scholarships, assistance to combat dengue, malaria etc and its
consistent support at the multilateral fora, the Ambassador emphasized
the importance attached by Sri Lanka for further promotion of
cooperation in such sectors that were broadly discussed at bilateral
meetings during President Rajapaksa’s visit to Cuba in June 2012. The
Ambassador also reiterated the invitation to President Castro to visit
Sri Lanka.
For
her part, the Deputy President Gladys Bejerano conveyed the greetings
of President Raul Castro to the Sri Lankan President and wished the
Ambassador all success. The Deputy President briefed the Ambassador on
Cuba’s recent policy initiatives in promoting mutually beneficial
cooperation among progressive nations in multifaceted areas of interest.
In regard to bilateral relations, she expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka
for its support to the Cuban cause and for the removal of embargo
against the Cuban people. Speaking further, the Deputy President also
praised President Rajapaksa’s leadership in ushering a new era and
noted that bilateral relations are on a strong footing.
After
the ceremony, the Ambassador placed a flower bouquet at the monument of
Cuba’s National Hero, Josi Marti at the Revolution Square. Upon his
return to the official residence, a reception was hosted for the Cuban
officials, members of the Sri Lankan community and Embassy staff.
The ceremony received wide coverage in the press, radio and TV.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Cuba
24th March 2013
