Asia Pacific Cuban Solidarity Conference In Sri-Lanka


The JVP was involved for the most part in the arrangements of this conference and they seem to be elated by what was conveyed by the Cubans. They in the next election campaign are bound to ask the masses of Sri-Lankan people badly affected by the open economy, to once again opt for scientific socialism.
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by Saybhan Samat from Colombo

(June 27, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) 80 delegates from 18 countries and 250 representatives from Sri-Lanka assembled in Colombo Sri-Lanka on the 14th and 15th of June, 2008 for the 4th Asia Pacific Regional Conference for Solidarity with Cuba. The conference was held at the Sri-Lanka Foundation Institutes on 14th June. A public meeting followed on June 15th at the John de Silva Theatre. It was followed by a colorful Cultural show where local dancers participated. The highlight of the show was a performance of songs and music where Sinhala and Spanish music were mixed to enhance an interesting and melodious fusion of music from Sri- Lanka and Cuba.

The conference had two plenary sessions and two commissions witch had separate session between the plenary sessions. The objective of the conference was to express solidarity with Cuba in it’s struggle for independent development of the country, to defend it’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from attacks by the US and it’s allies. A special concern of the conference was to devise ways and means of developing joint solidarity actions in the Asia. Pacific region, particularly against the embargo blockade imposed by the US Another matter of concern was the release of Rene, Antonio, Fernando, Gerardo and Ramon who have been incarcerated in the US for fighting against the terrorist mafia in the US witch was interfering and trying to destabilize the legitimate government in Cuba. Awards totaling to Rs 77,500/= were presented to the winners – first, second and third at the essay and art competitions witch were held to commemorate this fourth Asia Pacific Regional Cuban Solidarity Conference in Colombo.

Among those present at the public-meeting were Hon’ble minister Tissa Vitharne, Hon’ble minister D.E.W Gunesekara and J.V.P leader Somawansa Amerasinnghe. Despite a 50 years blockade and sanctions by the US. Mr. Tissa Vitharna said that on account of Cuba’s steadfast socialist policies, the Cuban economy improved in the fields of tourism, agriculture, medicine, education and health services. Mr. Somawansa Amerasinghe said that the Cuban revolution especially inspired the youth and that it continues even today to inspire the young people. The Cuban revolution he added was an example for Sri-Lanka to emulate. Mr.Smile Clark leader of the Cuban delegation said that Cuba more than ever needs friends who will propagate and spread the Cuban reality and success among the people of the world. He emphasized that public opinion in favour of Cuba was very important. He also added that presently Cuba is stronger than ever and that the US is afraid of Cuba.

Hardly a week after this conference it was announced on 20th June that the EU have decided to lift the sanctions on Cuba. This decision is on account of public – opinion building in favour of Cuba much to the chagrin of the US who have imposed a blockade and sanctions for the last 50 years. Some of the other achievements of Cuba are that Cuba’s doctors and teachers do volunteer service in many countries. The standards in sport and music have reached great heights. Mosquitoes eliminated, efficiency of citizens increased, FDI into Cuba has increased. Sanctions, blockades, invasions have all been over come because of the leadership of the founder of the Cuban Republic, Fidel Castro enforced socialist ideals.

When the Soviet Union and its socialist system collapsed, many expected Cuba which was supported by the Soviet Union to collapse. It was not so, Cuba clung on to socialist policies and survived. Now with other countries in the Latin American region opting for socialism Cuba has support both economic and financial from Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecudor and Paraguay. Cuba stands today as an example of how to confront imperialism and be truly independent. Cuba is presently the Chairman of the Non Aligned Movement it is admired by all countries who aspire for independence.

A week before the 4th Asia Pacific Conference on 14th June. Dr. C. June Triana Cordovi, Professor Titular of the Universidad De La Habana Centro de Estudios De La Economic Cubana arrived in the island to deliver lectures on the state of the economy in Cuba. He delivered lectures to raptured audiences on 11th at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, on the 12th at the Post Graduate Institute of Management and on the 13 the O P A to the Sri-Lanka Economists Association. The professor said that after the revolution the Cuban government for a great part invested their funds on human resources and almost 90% of the population is now educated. Thousands of doctors serve world wide, remittances from Cubans working abroad have increased, tourism is on the increase and efficiency of the workers is very high. Farmers and workers have benefited by making use of the free education that is available and Cuban teachers to are serving in foreign countries. With socialism once again growing in Latin America, Cuba is going to make vast strides in development.

The JVP was involved for the most part in the arrangements of this conference and they seem to be elated by what was conveyed by the Cubans. They in the next election campaign are bound to ask the masses of Sri-Lankan people badly affected by the open economy, to once again opt for scientific socialism.
- Sri Lanka Guardian