Che was a man of exceptional qualities - Cuban ambassador

PRIYADARSHANI KAHAWALA, Ingiriya Central Group Cor.

The 45th death commemoration of the leader of the Cuban Revolution Ernesto Che Guevara was held recently at Yahalakele Estate in Moragahahena, Horana with the presence of Cuban ambassador Nirsia Castro Guevara.

Senior Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake,Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Geethanjana Gunawardene, Parliamentarian Vidura Wickremanayake and other invitees after paying floral tributes at the portrait of Ernesto Che Guevara in Horana .

It was of significance that the commemoration was held, as usual, near the historic Mahogany tree planted by Che Guevara in Yahalakele Estate in Horana during his visit to Sri Lanka on August 7, 1969, on the invitation of then Governor General of Ceylon Sir Oliver Gunatilleke. The watcher of the estate W.A. Dingiri Banda who joined Yahalakele Estate at the age of 14 years had been caring for the historic tree for the last 53 years. The Cuban ambassador paid floral tributes to the great revolutionary Che, followed by Senior Minister of Good Governance and Infrastructure Facilities Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Geethanjana Gunawardene, Parliamentarian Vidura Wickremanayake, JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and other distinguished invitees.

The Cuban ambassador said Che Guevara sacrificed his life, the most precious thing he had, in defense of revolutionary ideas.

'He left us an example, a line of conduct to transform ourselves into better human beings. Che was a man of exceptional qualities who believed firmly in a better world with justice and equality, He was not only a profound thinker with radical world views, but led by example.

This has inspired millions around the world in their search for a better world. For Cuba, to protect and enhance, Che's legacy is a commitment.

In doing so, we are preserving the Cuban revolution, which is also a tangible part of his revolutionary work," she said.

A large crowd of local and foreign persons paid floral tributes on the occasion.Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Geethanjana Gunawardene, Parliamentarian Vidura Wickremanayake, JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and other invitees paid floral tributes at the portrait of Ernesto Che Guevara.