David Cameron to attend CHOGM

04 May 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

David Cameron will attend the Commonwealth Summit in November despite serious divisions within the organisation over the human rights record of Sri Lanka, the host government.

Calls on Mr. Cameron to boycott the event risked an embarrassing split with Buckingham Palace, had the Queen travelled to the meeting as the Commonwealth’s head.

The organisation decided at its last meeting two years ago to hold the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka this year but many states have since been dismayed by Sri Lanka's failure to heed calls for reform.

In particular Colombo has come under fire for its failure to promote reconciliation with the Tamil minority in the aftermath of the vicious civil war that ended in 2010.

Officials said yesterday that Mr. Cameron had decided to make a robust stand in person against Sri Lanka’s human rights record and attacks on its democratic standards by its authoritarian president, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“We do not think that turning away from the problem is the best way to make progress in Sri Lanka. There’s nothing to suggest that not going will convince Rajapaksa he must do more,” said a government spokesman.(The Telegraph)

Breaking News

David Cameron to attend CHOGM

Most Popular Articles

Rooftop solar owners asked to switch off systems

Seven Sri Lankan youths deported from UAE arrive at BIA; CID launches probe

NIC mandatory for 2026 G.C.E. (O/L) exam applications: Examinations Department

Rupee falls sharply against US Dollar

Banks can proceed against guarantors without suing principal debtor first: SC

A cup of tea or coffee a day and the risk of dementia: What Sri Lankans need to know

Latest News

Iran World Cup team heads to Mexico as US visa row erupts

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Sri Lankan Standard Time (SLST)

Andreeva wins first Grand Slam title at French Open

Three youths drown while bathing near Norochcholai Estuary

Police reject Gammanpila’s claims over Suresh Sallay’s treatment in CID custody