President Maithripala Sirisena said that not only Sri Lanka but the entire world can learn many things from the iconic and revolutionary leadership of former Cuban President Fidel Castro.
“Fidel Castro was a beacon to the entire world and will live in the hearts and minds of the people forever,” the President said.
“There are many lessons about the revolutionary and progressive path of Cuba that can guide the world.
Cuba created a justifiable and equal society for the betterment of its people. These are lessons the world can benefit from,” President Sirisena said.
The President was speaking at a ceremony to commemorative Castro yesterday.
The felicitation ceremony was held under the theme “Salute to an iconic revolutionary”.
“The life story of Castro teaches us invaluable guidelines especially when taking decisions.
His visionary leadership and battle for freedom, equality, democracy, wealth sharing and many more people-friendly characteristics show the world a progressive path,” he said.
“Sri Lanka along with many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America continue to benefit from the advances Cuba has made in these areas,” the President said.
President Sirisena described President Castro as an iconic revolutionary leader of the twentieth century.
The President said Fidel Castro was an exemplary leader, who dedicated his entire life and career for the wellbeing of his people and development of Cuba in the face of formidable external challenges.
“Fidel Castro’s revolutionary leadership brought prosperity and dignity to the people of Cuba while acting as a beacon to the world,” the President said.
The President said that he learnt about this colossus called Fidel Castro while participating in the World Youths’ Convention held in Cuba in 1978.
Sri Lanka and Cuba enjoy a longstanding friendship based on our shared values within the Non-Aligned Movement and vision of human development. A strong sense of solidarity has also followed the friendship of both countries. President Maithripala Sirisena paid floral tribute at the portrait of late President Fidel Castro.