CHOGM - A blessing to Sri Lanka

by Rupa Banduwardena

This paradise isle, the pearl of the Indian ocean is in the proud possession of a rich culture and heritage. Being triumphant over alien invasions and subsequently by a humanitarian operation the present Sri Lankans had every reason to believe that the Motherland would be a leading light in this part of the globe, with unparalleled fame and prosperity not due to sheer luck, but a direct outcome of hard work, perseverance, sound leadership and the love for the mother country.

Now the time has come and with the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be inaugurated in Sri Lanka in November is in all its grandeur and pristine splendour heralding a golden era in country's proud history. Many countries were keen and eyeing to host CHOGM. Amidst opposition from several quarters, Sri Lanka was fortunate to be successful at the end. This is going to be one of the biggest international conferences ever to be held in Sri Lanka after the Non Aligned conference Heads of states and leaders of 54 countries are expected to attend the conference with more than thousand other participants.

At no other occasion in the long history of our island has there been so large a number of foreign delegates participating in a summit of this magnitude. The theme of this blissful summit is Partnership for wealth creation and Social Development: The Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and SAARC”. This prestigious meeting of global fame provides a wonderful opportunity to promote world peace human well being, quality and equality of life to work for a happy society and a harmonious humanity. The realisation of this wish will be a great blessing to the progress of mankind, encouraging the spirit of unity and friendship.

“We must use the CHOGM to showcase our strength effectively and explain any shortcomings to gain the confidence of our friends and well-wishers.”

Targets

“CHOGM is a long term investment by the country which will help us achieve many of the nations targets.

Business community, industrialists, artistes, politicians who would accompany the head of states would boost the country's image abroad and showcase it's landmark achievements since the terrorism was eradicated. The true situation of the country will be revealed to the World”.

“The CHOGM will provide a great boost to the country's economy. Four factors need to be fulfilled – (1. peace 2. political stability, 3. Infrastructure and (4) a good environment for investment) have been well accomplished which Sri Lanka can proudly show the world.”

“The CHOGM Business Forum would encourage trade and investment and ensure that substantial economic dividends would accrue to Sri Lanka. The government's objective is to create an environment with serenity and also conducive to do business not only in Sri Lanka but also penetrate into overseas markets later.”

“The CHOGM business forum would highlight opportunities for trade, investment and tourism focusing on areas such as ports and shipping agriculture, housing, tourism, education and IT development. Sri Lanka has framed 80 business proposals to be discussed at the event. Non member countries such as China, Japan, Russia etc. too will be invited to the forum to provide a platform for interactive networking.”

“CHOGM will be an opportunity to showcase the country's competencies and seek new avenues in the field of foreign employment. This will further promote skilled migration through better skills, training according to global employment opportunities.”

Tourism

“The tourism sector would be developed in many ways due to the summit. The meeting will provide the opportunity for participants to witness a peaceful situation in the country and due to CHOGM today peace and stability have been restored. Tourist arrivals are on the rise, with more and more internationally recognised travel magazines selecting Sri Lanka as one of the top rated holiday destinations in the world.”

“It will also be a tremendous opportunity to highlight the historical inspirations that have influenced our culture and attitudes and will fashion our approaches to the future, the soothing influence of 500 years of Buddhism the culture of tolerance and co-existence which enabled other religious and minorities to prosper.”

“Commending the target of Sri Lanka to become a hub in five aspects, steps are being taken to achieve the target of becoming a knowledge hub. There is a rising demand from foreign students for universities in Sri Lanka and CHOGM will be an opportunity for our students to build up an international network. It will also broaden the path for the university students to enjoy the maximum benefits from the program introduced by the Higher Education Ministry.

The “Commonwealth Development and Social Justice” has been selected for the competitions organised to be held in the three media, to mark the occasion by the Education Ministry”.

The aims, objectives and the major benefits of the magnanimous summit found in the views expressed by the most responsible, most distinguished and eminent personalities of Sri Lanka are given above.

Preparations

A well planned work program has been prepared for CHOGM in three locations, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota where the most distinguished world leaders will grace the occasion. Already a series of programs and events are continuing apace islandwide and world-wide to mark the occasion in a fitting manner.

Arrangements for the summit involve the participation of many agencies of the government private sector institutions who share their skills talents and expertise in organising activities related to the summit. A large scale development drive to improve infrastructure facilities such as roads, railways, water and electricity has been undertaken and logistical arrangements too have been perfected enabling the delegates to witness the success story of the event. “We are proud of our preparedness” is the view of the government.

Representatives from Commonwealth Secretariat and also from nearly 30 countries will inspect preparations in progress. On-going preparations were examined by advanced teams first and second, visiting the country. “The Commonwealth Secretariat conveyed that they were impressed by the preparedness so far and did not wish to take part in the tour of second advance team”.

Hence the country, the government and the citizens are ready to welcome CHOGM for its lasting success.