President Sirisena's condolence message on the passing of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro

President Sirisena extended a message of condolence on the passing of Fidel Castro, Cuba's former president and leader of the Communist revolution.

The following is the statement :

“It was with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing away of His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz, former President of the Republic of Cuba and an iconic revolutionary of the twentieth century, states Maithripala Sirisena in a condolence message Cuban President Raul Castro.

On behalf of the Government and People of Sri Lanka, I extend my deepest condolences to Your Excellency, the Government and People of the Republic of Cuba and members of late President Castro’s family, at this time of national mourning.

Late President Castro was an exemplary leader who dedicated his entire life and career to promoting the wellbeing of his people and development of Cuba in the face of formidable external challenges. Through these efforts, Cuba carved a niche in the world for its achievements in education and healthcare. Sri Lanka along with many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, continue to benefit from the advances Cuba had made in these areas.

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 our friendship. Indeed, Sri Lanka has also lost a sincere friend in the passing away of this remarkable leader and we join the people of Cuba in mourning this irreplaceable loss.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration”.

Maithripala Sirisena,

President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka