By: Staff Writer
July 30, Colombo (LNW): Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has requested Sri Lanka’s assistance in enhancing Cuba’s coconut industry.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Cuba, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (Retd), visited President Díaz-Canel at his office in Revolution Square to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their nations.
During the meeting, the President warmly acknowledged the milestone and expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s donation of 150 coconut seeds. He also sought Sri Lankan expertise to help advance Cuba’s coconut industry.
Reflecting on the Sri Lankan President’s visit to Cuba for the G77 Summit last year, President Díaz-Canel praised the strong bilateral relationship and thanked Sri Lanka for its international support.
He assured that Cuba would be well-represented at the 65th-anniversary ceremony at the Hotel Nacional on August 6, 2024, organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Havana.
Ambassador Ulugetenne conveyed greetings from Sri Lanka’s President and government, and thanked Cuba for its medical assistance during the tsunami and COVID-19 crisis.
He also expressed gratitude for the Cuban government’s fully funded medical scholarships for Sri Lankan students. Despite the geographical distance, he emphasized the robust ties between the two nations.
The Ambassador highlighted Sri Lanka’s interest in expanding trade relations with Cuba and mentioned that two investment proposals in the tourism sector have already been submitted by a prominent Sri Lankan company.
Additionally, he reported on a recent meeting with CubaPharma, a government pharmaceutical research institution, and committed to further strengthening trade and bilateral relations.
The Ambassador said that he was happy with the successful experiments carried out by the Sri Lankan Coconut Research Center and mentioned that he is working to get coconut saplings for cultivation in his country.
A donation of 200 coconut seedlings will be made to Cuba shortly. The Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka will also provide expertise to Cuba to develop its coconut industry.
The ambassador further stated that there is scope to develop cooperation in food production, farming and animal husbandry sectors in Sri Lanka.
Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Sri Lanka boasts a rich history intertwined with the coconut palm, earning it the moniker – The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Yet, despite its abundant coconut resources and time-honoured traditions, Sri Lanka’s full potential in the global coconut industry remains largely untapped.
As the world’s appetite for coconut-based products continues to grow, from culinary delights to skincare essentials, Sri Lanka stands poised to emerge as a key player in this flourishing market.
