Sri Lanka welcomes the announcements made by the leaders of the United States of America and Cuba, of a rapprochement between the two countries, thereby ending decades’ long estrangement and paving the way for the renewal of diplomatic ties. The release and exchange of prisoners is a concrete step towards a new era of US-Cuba relations which marks a turning point in the history of the two nations.

 Sri Lanka has consistently called for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba, by the USA, which has caused severe hardship for the people of that country. It is therefore imperative to remove this obstacle to fully restore people to people interaction which will bring renewed prosperity to both nations. 

The constructive and courageous path chosen by the two leaders will undoubtedly enable their countries to overcome differences through dialogue and understanding based on sovereign equality.

Ministry of External Affairs

Colombo. 

23^rd December 2014