Minister Bogollagama mentioned that he would make use of this occasion to h0ld discussions separately with the member states on the terrorist activities prevailing in Sri Lanka and its control. The Minister added that there are definite advantages in acting together on such issues as Economic, Social and Political in the interest of member states.

State leaders of 53 member states will participate at the common wealth leaders’ summit scheduled to be held between 23rd to 25th November at Kampala in Uganda. All arrangements have been made for the summit and the leaders will meet in the Imperial Hotel at Kampala.

The theme of this year’s summit is “Directing the people of the member states towards a healthy transformation in political, economic, and human resource development.” Adhering to this theme the summit will focus its attention on such matters as territorial development, youth enterprise development, conflict resolution and environmental changes.

Uganda which is known as the ‘Pearl’ of the African continent is situated bordering Sudan, Congo, Tanzania and Kenya. Uganda which has an agricultural economy has about 80% of its work force involved in agriculture.

Queen Elizebeth 11 who is also the leader of the common wealth will be attending the summit. She is scheduled to arrive in Kampala tonight (22). The President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa will reach Uganda today.

The first summit which started in 1888 was later established as Common Wealth Leaders Summit in 1971. From then the summit has met every two years. Among the member states India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have contributed immensely towards the success of this summit. The Singapore Declaration of 1971 embodying 14 clauses was brought out at this summit. The objectives of the summit were more meaningfully presented by this.

Such subjects as Development, Human Rights, Good Governance Law, Individual Freedom, Free Trade, and World Peace were incorporated in to this declaration. The General Secretary of the Summit acts as the Chief Executive Officer. The Present Secretary is Sen Thoms Mckinon.

Courtesy - Government Information