Alberto Granado, boyhood friend of Ernesto “Che” Guevara dies in Havana at age 88: Sri Lankan Ambassador to Cuba pays tribute

(March 08, Havana - Cuba, Sri Lanka Guardian) Tamara Kunanayakam, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Cuba, paid her last respects to Alberto Granado, Argentinean born biochemist, long time friend and companion of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, who passed away on 5 March 2011, at the age of 88. Alberto Granado was a great admirer of Sri Lanka and its unrelenting quest for a just world order through the Non-Alignment Movement. .

The funeral was attended by Cuban dignitaries, diplomats and personalities from around the world.

In a personal message addressed to his Venezuelan born widow Delia, Ambassador Kunanayakam conveyed her condolences and recalled Mr. Granado’s unfulfilled expectations to visit Sri Lanka. He was captivated by Ayurveda as a means of maintaining positive health and treating disease.

In a symbolic gesture, on 8th January this year, the 52nd Anniversary of the triumphant entry into Havana of the Columna Verde Oliva led by Fidel, Alberto Granado and Ambassador Kunanayakam planted in his home garden an offshoot of the Karapincha tree growing on the premises of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Havana.