DEW Gunasekara writes to Raul Castro:

'Your election reflects confidence of 6th National Congress'

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, DEW Gunasekara in a letter to Communist Party First Secretary, Comrade Raul Castro congratulated him for his election as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist party.

The letter is as follows:

"On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, I wish to convey our heartiest congratulations and warmest fraternal greetings on your election to the most esteemed position as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. This reflects the extent of confidence and hope reposed in you by the 6th National Congress and broadly by the entire membership of the party. This news of your election was a source of courage and inspiration to the Sri Lankan Communists."

"Our Party has been following the proceedings of your 6th National Congress with deep interest.

"The decisions arrived at after extensive and comprehensive deliberations and debatets, appear to us to be decisive and strategic, reflecting a turning-point in the Cuban history. They ensure the irreversibility of socialism with a new economic model. Despite formidable challenges facing Cuba, we believe, that the Party of the Cuban Revolution would move forward with determination and vigour, securing for the Cuban people many and more victories.

"Your firm conviction and commitment to defend, preserve and continue to refine socialism and never to allow the return to capitalism, has earned the love and admiration of the Communists, the world over. We take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and profound admiration of the historic role played by you in your capacity as Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces in the defence of the people, the Party of the Revolution and Socialism.

"We express our optimism that the relations between our two Parties and our two peoples will go from strength to strength. We are certain that with the fullness of your political thinking, you have the strength and vision to steer the revolutionary struggle for the cause of the Cuban people and in the accomplishment of the noble tasks of mankind."