Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage was elected as the President of the Sri Lanka - Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament.
During the meeting, Hon. Member of Parliament U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney at Law, was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka - Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations between Cuba and Sri Lanka, which have been established since 1959. He further emphasized that the Friendship Association provides an excellent platform to enhance these relations. The Speaker underscored the importance of working closely to further strengthen bilateral ties in sectors such as health, education, science and technology in order to maximize benefits for both countries.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Cuba to Sri Lanka, H.E. Andrés Marcelo González Garrido, emphasized the importance of strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest between the two countries through the Friendship Association. He also expressed his gratitude to Sri Lanka for the friendship and support extended to Cuba over the past decades.
Expressing his gratitude for being elected to lead the association, the newly elected President, Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, acknowledged Cuba's advancements, particularly in health and technology research. While expressing his eagerness to share knowledge and experience, especially in the fields of education and health, the President invited all members to work together to strengthen Sri Lanka-Cuba relations.
The Secretary of the Association, Hon. Member of Parliament U.P. Abeywickrama, delivering the vote of thanks, expressed his confidence that this association will further strengthen the enduring relationship between Cuba and Sri Lanka.
Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera were also present at this occasion.