CHOGM a great opportunity for Sri Lanka

Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris mentioned that "CHOGM conference to be held in November will be a great opportunity for Sri Lanka which gives an opportunity for the heads of 54 states to witness the development taking place in the country following the elimination of terrorism at a time when there is a move against Sri Lanka at the international sphere" addressing a Parliamentary session yesterday (10th July).

Responding to the adjournment motion moved by UPFA MP A. H. M. Azwer, Prof. G. L. Peiris also made following observation in the Parliament.

CHOGM that is to be held in Sri Lanka this November will bring fame to our country. This is the first time that a CHOGM is held in an Asian country after 24 years. This is also the biggest international conference to be held in Sri Lanka after the Non-Aligned Conference held in 1976. This is a great opportunity to showcase the post war developments in Sri Lanka and we invite the heads of 54 states to witness on their own the development activities without being influenced by the rumours of those with vested interests.

The participants of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Conference in March last year said after visiting the North, the situation and development were totally different to the rumours they heard. Even the Canadian Parliamentarian said he was surprised to see the developments taken place in the North within a short span after the elimination of terrorism.

There is a great operation in the international sphere against Sri Lanka today. So this visit of the heads of state will be a great opportunity to change these attempts. In parallel to this, there will be a Business Forum. In addition to the participants of the CHOGM business community, the business communities from countries like China, Japan, Russia, Korea and Thailand will participate in the Business Forum.