Throughout these fifty years, bilateral links have been characterized by mutual respect and understanding, as well as by the attachment by countries to the principles of International Law, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Referring to the beginning of Sri Lanka- Cuba relations he said: "Logically, it was also Sri Lanka one of the countries visited by our beloved Commander Ernesto Che Guevara in the context of his tour of the region in August 1959; a country in which he left an indelible mark, not only by planting a tree that is now growing as luxuriantly as his revolutionary ideas, but also by seeping into the minds and hearts of several generations of Sri Lankans, who are now actively integrated into the large movement of solidarity with Cuba that exists in that brotherly country".

Speaking on International pressures on Sri Lanka he said Cuban Government, both at the national level and in its capacity as Chair of NAM, did not hesitate for a second to strongly oppose the pressures and practices of imposition, selectivity and politicization used by the West to try to hold the Sri Lankan Government in condemnation over alleged human rights violations, particularly at the recent XI Special Session of the Human Rights Council.

"Only a few days ago, in Egypt, Cuban President, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, held a fraternal meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the XV NAM Summit, in which the mutual interest in further promoting greater bilateral links was ratified, as well as the will to continue enhancing the objectives, principles and interests that brought the Movement into being, which are fully valid and pertinent under the current international circumstances", he said.

In this context, the outstanding role played by Sri Lanka within NAM cannot be forgotten, as it is a founding member of it. Just like Cuba, it had the high responsibility of chairing the Movement since 1976 through 1979, he further said.

Sri Lankan youths have had the opportunity to graduate in our country, as this is a real symbol of the level reached by our bilateral links and a modest contribution by Cuba to the training of human resources for Sri Lanka. As we speak, 26 youths are engaged in university studies in various higher education specialties, rekindling the tradition of excelling for their discipline, dedication and positive school results, Mr. Marcos Rodriguez said.

To commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Sri Lanka the Government of Cuba issued the 50th Anniversary commemorative postal stamp.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Cuba, Mrs. Tamara Kunanayakam was participated at the event.