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All we can do is invite countries for CHOGM – GL

23 March 2013 04:21 am - 17     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The level of representation of countries at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is beyond Sri Lanka’s control, and all the government can do is invite member states to participate, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L Peiris yesterday said.

Making closing remarks at a guest-lecture by visiting Canadian Senator Hugh Segal at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, the Minister said Sri Lanka is a “hospitable country” and would continue in this tradition.

“All we can do is invite and make all preparations on our part. There is no more we can do. The rest is up to those who are invited. We are however, determined to have a positive and fruitful outcome,” he said, responding to a reporter who asked him if the government was concerned at the expected non-participation of certain world leaders at the CHOGM.

Speaking on the topic ‘The Commonwealth as a force for good’, Senator Segal said he would report back to Canada on the situation in Sri Lanka to enable his country to decide on its level of participation at the CHOGM.

“I came to learn, observe and report back to my government, to decide on the level of participation at the summit,” he said. (Hafeel Farisz and Lahiru Pothmulla)

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  Comments - 17

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  • amara Saturday, 23 March 2013 05:58 PM

    don't talk rubbish.

    Kit Udugama Sunday, 24 March 2013 12:43 PM

    Oh ! Sure sure. We will invite them and give them tea with Wadai,murukku, Thosai and sambaru.

    Yuri Sunday, 24 March 2013 05:42 AM

    Canada is one of the top respected country in the world, If Canadian PM is not here and UK PM, its no point. SL can just invite Cuba Iran, Pakistan, some Middle east.. then it will be not Commonwealth

    Gecko Sunday, 24 March 2013 04:47 AM

    All the country should boycott the meet till the srilankan Tamil problem is solved .

    Nodrog Sunday, 24 March 2013 04:44 AM

    David don't gloat because you also will suffer if it does happen. You are like the guy who cut off his nose to spite his face.

    Loki Banda Sunday, 24 March 2013 03:41 AM

    Yes but you go on your knees and with cap in hand to be bailed out of your overspending habits. Your leader and his brother want US green cards ? Why is that you idiot?

    rednaxela Sunday, 24 March 2013 01:38 AM

    Please don't blame the Minister. The President before giving him the appointment and most probably still does not know that the initials GL mean Greatest Lunatic!

    Raja Sunday, 24 March 2013 01:30 AM

    This must be David's wish who probably believes that the International community means the US, UK, EU and Norway.

    Raja Sunday, 24 March 2013 01:28 AM

    Canadian minister will report back to his leader to make a decision, but will the leader be bold enough to take a decision without first getting approval from the Tamil Separatists in Canada? Canada's as well as UK and Norway's foreign policy towards SriLanka is unfortunately now controlled by the Tamil sepratists.

    bamunu Saturday, 23 March 2013 04:34 AM

    You are trying to be a baby. As Foreign Minister it is your job to ensure participation at the highest level from all Countries. It shows the effectiveness of our Foreign Policy for which you are responsible.

    J. Dorine Saturday, 23 March 2013 05:49 PM

    Aha, who cares! This so called "Commonwealth" in my view is really the "Commonpoor" as its majority consists of countries that Britain invaded, brutally subjugated (even by carrying out mass-scale slaughter of any "natives" who resisted the British writ and occupation) and who are today still being stick-whipped to toe the same white colonial masters' line - as we see today from the events in Geneva. Time Sri Lanka opted out of this ruinous relic.

    Nadi Karunaratne Saturday, 23 March 2013 03:52 PM

    There is a bit more we could do - abide by Commonwealth principles and values.....ever thought of that? .

    anura gunawardane Saturday, 23 March 2013 07:11 AM

    Hospitable country, is that all left for you to tell the world
    How pathetic we are

    DAVID Saturday, 23 March 2013 07:05 AM

    SRILANKA IS GOING TO ISOLATED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY VERY SOON.

    Thomas Saturday, 23 March 2013 06:25 AM

    None care for you, leave this matter to MR, to play his diplomatic tactics

    John Saturday, 23 March 2013 05:55 AM

    You are not confident of the reception from invitees? Certainly SL is not oozing with confidence of a strong host, judging by your 'pleading'.

    kaputakukula Saturday, 23 March 2013 05:07 AM

    Yes, prof. sadly we have nothing to lure them. All we have is "guilty" written on our face.


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