Advance teams satisfied with CHOGM preparations

by Manjula Fernando

The second CHOGM advance team representing India, Pakistan, Singapore and others are now in the country inspecting the on-going preparations and connected work of the world summit to be inaugurated in November in Sri Lanka.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said this will be the final batch of advance teams as the other countries numbering a little over 20 have not expressed a desire to send in their representatives ahead of the summit.

With the current group in the country, altogether representatives from nearly 30 countries have come to inspect preparations in progress.

The first team which toured the three locations, Hambantota, Galle and Colombo where CHOGM 2013 venues are arranged, included the Commonwealth Secretariat representatives from London and members from Canada, UK and Australia.

"The Commonwealth Secretariat conveyed that they were impressed by the preparations so far and did not wish to take part in the tour of second advance team," the spokesperson said.

He said some of the concerns that the representatives had regarding logistical arrangements such as additional accommodation and transport have already been addressed.

"For instance one country wanted 50 additional rooms and we have found the additional rooms them, we are readying ourselves to assist with more such requests."

The Government however will be providing free accommodation only for the head of state and two other delegates. Costs for the others will be borne by the respective countries.