The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2013 would expedite progress in various fields in Sri Lanka, including health, education, culture, economy etc,. making the government's task that much easier in Sri Lanka attaining hub status in five key sectors in the South Asian region, said Kurunegala District UPFA Parliamentarian Shantha Bandara. He said when the host country is selected, the details of various aspects of the host country are studied by the other Commonwealth countries and those countries decide to support the host country to develop. This would be of great benefit to Sri Lanka which is striving hard to achieve the target of making Sri Lanka the Miracle of Asia in the aftermath eliminating terrorism. He added that 54 countries paying their attention to improve various sectors in Sri Lanka is a massive opportunity while they discuss other issues concerning the commonwealth.
He also said the visit of of Heads of State of more than 50 countries is a massive opportunity for Sri Lanka to show off its genuine attempts at reconciliation and efforts made to develop all the parts of the county on an equal basis. He added that they would also see that there is no discrimination against any community.
He said an international conference of this magnitude was last held in Sri Lanka in 1976. But being able to host CHOGM after just four years since the defeat of terrorism, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is a remarkable achievement for Sri Lanka. MP Bandara said though most of the countries that ended wars have very long post war periods, our government has been able to bring the country to normal and host one of the most significant international conferences in the world, within four years.
He added that in such a situation, all should get together to make this event a success, irrespective of party politics as this would bring long term benefits to the nation, while enhancing the country's image.
Source -: Daily News
19-09-2013
