The Embassy of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Students Association in Cuba ( SLAAC ) jointly hosted the Sri Lanka – Cuba Friendship Gala on 22nd September 2014 at the University of Las Villas in Santa Clara, the capital of Villa Clara Province to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The celebrations began with the lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Cuba, Sarath Dissanayake, Rector of the University of Las Villas, Andres Castro Alegria, President of SLSAC, Isuru Liyanage, amid a distinguished gathering of guests from the Provincial Assembly, Local Government, Communist Party and University staff. The Sri Lankan students and their foreign and Cuban counterparts staged a well choreographed cultural programme which lasted for nearly 3 hours, featuring Sri Lanka’s unique and well known dance forms, which included traditional , folk, contemporary and rhythmic fusions, accompanied by musical recitals. The students, dressed in Sri Lankan costumes mesmerized the audience with their artistic talents and versatile creations. The evening of Sri Lankan and Cuban cultural performances the first of its kind to be held in Santa Clara, was well received by the audience.
Delivering the opening remarks, Ambassador Dissanayake welcomed the distinguished invitees and thanked them for making the event a huge success. Emphasizing the fact that Sri Lanka - Cuba relations have gained added significance over the last 55 years, he reminded the audience of Sri Lana’s recognition of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in February 1959 being the first Asian country to do so and the vast strides made by the two countries since then, in almost every conceivable area of interest that makes this relationship outstanding and unique. He also appreciated Cuba’s continued generosity in awarding valuable scholarships to Sri Lankan students which have been of significant importance for the development of human resources in specialized fields.
Speaking on the occasion, the Rector of the Santa Clara University, Andres Castro Alegria recollected with pleasure the visit of the Sri Lankan Minister of Higher Education to the University in February 2014 and the cordial discussions between the two sides, paving the way for closer collaboration between Sri Lanka and Cuba in the field of education. The Rector thanked the students for their brilliant performance and assured them of his fullest support in their efforts toward promoting unity, harmony and diversity through the medium of arts, music and dance.
The Attaché of the Embassy, Yoshitha Wijesuriya and President of the International Students Council of Santa Clara University, Shanika Galappaththi coordinated all arrangements for this highly successful gala evening.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Havana
02nd October 2014
