Minister Peiris tells Australian delegation: 

Commonwealth in danger of politicisation

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris yesterday expressed Sri Lanka's strong reservation regarding attempts in some quarters to politicise the Commonwealth and use its structures and mechanisms as instruments for intervening in the domestic issues of member states.

At bilateral discussions with a trio of Australian Shadow Ministers led by Deputy Leader of the Opposition Julie Bishop, Minister Peiris asserted Sri Lanka's view of the Commonwealth as a voluntary association of sovereign states with the diversity of cultures as a prominent feature of the organisation. Picture on page 3

He countered that any attempt to distort this essential character of the Commonwealth, reinforced by its history and traditions, spells danger for its future.

At the discussions Prof Peiris also referred to the initiative, during the recent visit of Australia's Foreign Minister, to set up a joint mechanism between Sri Lanka and Australia to co-ordinate pre-emptive activity to control human smuggling . Both countries recognise that success in this endeavour is crucial, especially because, apart from danger to life and limb, illicit migration also has connections with other forms of criminal activity including narcotics, gun running and even terrorism.

Australia's Shadow Ministers described the recent steps taken by Australia to deter illegal migration by making it clear that persons who attempt to enter Australia illegally will not be able to work in the country and send their savings overseas, nor will they have access to welfare benefits such as housing, health and education. The Shadow Ministers said that they are committed to further strengthening these initiatives. Prof. Peiris said that Sri Lanka greatly appreciates the assistance being given by Australia with regard to the arrangements by the government of Sri Lanka to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Colombo in November this year. Australia, having organised the last CHOGM in Perth, Western Australia, in 2011 has considerable hands-on experience, and their sharing of expertise is of value, Minister Peiris said.

The Shadow Ministers re-affirmed Australia's commitment, across party lines, to work with Sri Lanka in this regard. They said that they regard as high priority, the strengthening of bonds of friendship with Sri Lanka.