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Wednesday, 29 July 2009

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Fifty years of fruitful cooperation

Today, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Cuba. In fact, Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to recognize the young Republic of Cuba after the Revolution of January 1, 1959. It was not long after that legendary Che Guevara visited Sri Lanka in August 1959.

The relations between the two countries have grown better with the passage of time. There is complete and rare unanimity in Sri Lanka across the political and ethnic divides in relation to friendship with Cuba. The masses have over and over expressed their solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba throughout the past 50 years. The example of little Cuba defying the world's biggest super power and defending its sovereignty stands as an example illuminating the struggle of all people in the Third World.

Sri Lanka and Cuba as leading members of the Non-Aligned Movement have cooperated with each other on most of the issues at all international fora. As a true friend Sri Lanka has consistently supported the resolution opposing the inhuman blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States at the General Assembly of the United Nations. In most instances it has opposed the attempts by the United States to blacklist Cuba on the basis of alleged human rights abuses.

The economic and cultural relations as well as people to people contacts between the two countries are progressing satisfactorily. In the decade of the 1980s Cuban doctors served in remote areas of Sri Lanka and again on the occasion of the disastrous tsunami of December 1994, a Cuban medical brigade came to Sri Lanka and assisted the victims. Cuba has offered more than 100 scholarships to Sri Lankan students to study in Cuban Universities.

Currently, a team of Cuban epidemiologists are in Sri Lanka to help eliminate the dengue epidemic. It has also promised to supply Cuban bio-larvicides to control the spread of vector borne diseases.

The relations between the two countries have developed to a qualitatively higher stage since the assumption of office by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. An Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical cooperation was signed. A joint Commission of officials has also been established.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries we wish the friendly people of Cuba further successes in their struggle for a better tomorrow. May the relations between our two countries grow and strengthen further.


Counselling, a vital need

The latest news from the education sector is the imposition of a ban on mobile phones in schools. This follows the tragic death of a girl student of a leading girls school in Colombo. We are here not ready to discuss the pros and cons of the mobile phone ban. Our inquiry, on the other hand is focused on what prompted the girl to commit suicide? Obviously she could have been under tremendous mental pressure.

A similar incident was also reported from the North Western Province where eight school girls have tried to commit suicide when a teacher admonished a boy who had given a birthday card to one of the girls. Here too we will not enquire into the wisdom of the teacher in admonishing the students for what appears to be an ordinary incident that should not cause any concern.

Both incidents point out the need for student counselling services in schools. Punitive action, rules and regulations, taboos alone cannot solve such problems. It is necessary to understand children and their problems.

In a country that has undergone a civil armed conflict for three decades and in which the social fabric itself is fractured and tense teenagers face more psychological problems in facing the challenges thrown by society. Often these teenagers seek solace in new relationships. Further, the outlook on life of adults and teenagers may differ considerably and even develop into one of hostility. That is why it is foolish to rush into conclusions based on stereotype or hierarchial notions without being sensitive to the emotive nature of the children.

Had there been a proper counselling service, both these incidents could have been avoided. What is required is a more enlightened policy, one in which the student and not the teacher or the administrator is in the centre.

Towards a new environmental governance

In the global context, our generation is living in an era where deteriorating environmental trends have far-reaching economic, social and health implications. A global change by making a paradigm shift away from the present unsustainable production and consumption practices is the only way forward to ensure the continued existence not only of humankind but also of the other living beings of the planet Earth.

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Golden Jubilee of Cuba-Sri Lanka relations

I am privileged to issue this message on the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Cuba and Sri Lanka that falls on July, 29, 2009.

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Sigiriya Museum: Repository of Sri Lankan excellence

It is indeed a great pleasure for me to address this august gathering at the opening ceremony of the newly constructed Sigiriya museum built with the generous assistance of the Government of Japan. Let me take this opportunity to thank Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and the President of the Sri Lanka - Japan Friendship Association and a long time friend of Sri Lanka for accepting our invitation to grace this momentous occasion, despite his busy schedule and commitments at home in Japan.

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