February 16, Colombo (LNW): In a significant diplomatic ceremony, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, presented his credentials to Cuban President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermúdez on February 13, 2024. The ceremony took place at the Palacio de la Revolución in Havana.
The state ceremonial presentation, held at the Palacio de la Revolución, included a warm reception for Ambassador Ulugetenne by the Cuban Chief of Protocol, accompanied by a guard of honour and a ceremonial welcome by the Presidential Guard. Following these formalities, Ambassador Ulugetenne officially presented his credentials to President Diaz-Canel.
During a brief conversation that ensued, President Diaz-Canel warmly welcomed the new Ambassador and extended his good wishes for a successful tenure. The Cuban President emphasized the importance of fostering healthy economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Cuba. Ambassador Ulugetenne conveyed the greetings and felicitations of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and expressed President Wickremesinghe’s eagerness to host his Cuban counterparts in Sri Lanka. President Diaz-Canel positively responded, recalling his previous meeting with President Wickremesinghe during the G77 summit.
Acknowledging Cuba’s support in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ambassador Ulugetenne assured President Diaz-Canel of his commitment to enhancing the existing relationship between the two countries. He pledged to work towards elevating bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy, agriculture, sports, and healthcare for the mutual benefit of Sri Lanka and Cuba.
