Combating terrorist funding dominated Commonwealth parley

Rafik Jalaldeen

Heads of Commonwealth countries yesterday spoke of the need for member-states to implement the legal framework for suppression of terrorist financing and funds.

Addressing the media Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) was held successfully in Trinidad and Tobago from November 27 to 29. “All Heads of the Commonwealth countries have supported the bid by Sri Lanka to host the next CHOGM in Sri Lanka in 2013,” he added.

He asserted that holding CHOGM in Sri Lanka proves its ability and political stability as well its stable foreign relations.

“The CHOGM is going to be held at an appropriate time in the Sri Lanka calender. It is a unique opportunity to show and prove our ability and foreign relations with all the continents. Around 53 Heads of the Commonwealth countries will participate.

It would provide a window of opportunity to productively engage the Commonwealth partners with the post conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation. It will strengthen diplomatic relations and open the economy,” the Minister said.

Sri Lanka’s relations with the Commonwealth date back to the Organization’s very inception having been a signatory to the London Declaration in 1949. While upholding democratic values which form the basis of the Commonwealth network, Sri Lanka has been actively involved in the work of the Commonwealth.