Colombo, Oct. 16 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka and Cuba have explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in education, healthcare, technology and economic development during a meeting between Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Cuban Ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Lazara Pego Guerra in Jaffna.
The meeting, held in Jaffna, brought together National People's Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Karunanathan Ilankumaran, Jaffna Municipal Council member and District Coordinating Committee Coordinator Sundaramoorthy Kabilan, and other local representatives. Discussions focused on strengthening ties between the two countries and identifying areas for knowledge-sharing and mutual cooperation.
Participants exchanged views on Cuba's current economic and political situation and Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to recover from the economic crisis of 2022. The discussions highlighted the value of sharing experiences and exploring practical approaches to overcoming economic challenges.
Cuba's achievements in education and healthcare featured prominently, particularly its commitment to maintaining free education despite economic difficulties and its established medical education system. Opportunities for international students to pursue higher education in Cuba were also discussed. Three students from Jaffna are currently studying medicine in the country, highlighting an existing educational link between the two nations.
The meeting also examined possibilities for stronger partnerships between Sri Lankan and Cuban universities, with particular attention to education, technology and language studies. Student exchange programmes, academic collaboration and institutional partnerships were identified as potential avenues for expanding educational ties. Sri Lanka's proposed education reforms were also discussed in the context of exchanging experiences and expertise.
Attention was further drawn to social and economic development initiatives in Sri Lanka's Northern Province during the post-war period. The Cuban Ambassador was briefed on the development of the University of Jaffna, efforts to improve access to educational opportunities and initiatives to modernise traditional palmyrah-based industries.
These initiatives were highlighted as important opportunities to improve productivity, strengthen the regional economy and generate new opportunities for communities in the Northern Province. The discussions also underscored the potential for international cooperation to support regional development and the modernisation of traditional industries.