The President expressed his condolences over the demise of Mr. Fidel Castro Ruz, former President of the Republic of Cuba, to the Ambassador and recalled the past memories of Fidel Castro, the iconic revolutionary of the twentieth century.

Sri Lanka and Cuba have longstanding friendship and the President expressed his gratitude to Cuba for consistently standing on behalf of Sri Lanka at international forums.

The President expressed the belief that the longstanding friendship between the Sri Lanka and Cuba will reach to new heights during the tenure of the new Ambassador.