CHOGM 2013 in November:

Historic opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Sri Lanka in November next year will be a historic moment for Sri Lanka to showcase the remarkable progress achieved by the country to the world in the post-conflict era, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris said.

Addressing a gathering, following the ceremonial inauguration of the Task Force Secretariat for CHOGM 2013 at the BMICH, the minister said Speakers of national Parliaments and other parliamentarians who attended the recently concluded 58th session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Colombo were able to experience for themselves firsthand peace and tranquility in the island, as well as witness the impressive economic transformation that Sri Lanka is undergoing, during their travel throughout the length and breadth of the country.

"These delegates would be able to effectively counter the false and malicious propaganda against Sri Lanka when they return home," he said.

Minister Peiris underscored the importance the government attaches to the successful organisation of CHOGM 2013.

He said he was pleased that the External Affairs Ministry had been able to arrange the inauguration of the Task Force Secretariat for CHOGM 2013 within a short period.

The Secretariat would serve as the nerve centre for coordinating the entire gamut of activities, including logistics, security and protocol relating not only to the Heads of government meeting, but also to the Foreign Ministers and senior officials meetings preceding it, as well as parallel events such as the Commonwealth Business Forum, Commonwealth Youth Forum and the Commonwealth People's Forum. Fifteen Sub-Committees have been set up to coordinate activities that are envisaged, he said.

The minister opened the CHOGM 2013 Task Force Secretariat by unveiling the plaque followed by the invocation of blessings by members of the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian clergy.

A gathering of public officials, including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretaries of line ministries involved in the CHOGM, the Chief of Defence Staff and chairpersons of sub-committees were present.

A brief promotional video film on Sri Lanka was also shown to the audience.