Commonwealth unity vital to face int’l crisis situations - PM

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne

“It is pertinent for Commonwealth countries to act in unison in facing international crisis situations. ‘A united stand will enable them to resolve problems amicably in a transparent manner,” Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said when he met a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegation led by its Executive Committee President Sir Alan Gordon Haselhurst who called on him at the Prime Minister’s office yesterday morning. The delegation is in Sri Lanka for a preliminary round of talks in preparation for the CPA 58th sessions to be held in Sri Lanka in September.

The sessions will be held from September 7 to 15 in Colombo attended by nearly 1,000 foreign delegates, a release by the Prime Minister’s office said. The release said a wide range of issues concerning the organization of the forthcoming 58th sessions were discussed at length during his meeting.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said a programme should be formulated to implement the decisions taken by the forthcoming sessions. He said arrangements should also be made to provide visiting foreign delegates to tour the country and view its picturesque tourist spots. They should be accompanied by officials of the respective tourist zones so that they could gather vital information regarding these tourist attractions.

Sir Alan Gordon Haselhurst said apart from political topics, the forthcoming CPA sessions would focus on the development of economic, and commercial activities and trade among the member states.

Other members of the visiting delegation included CPA General Secretary Dr William F Shija, and Assistant Director Tina Christine. Prime Minister’s Secretary S. Amarasekara was also present.