A new era dawns with CHOGM

by Rupa Banduwardena

Life is the most precious gift of nature bestowed on humanity. Today it is a matter of finding ways, out of dangerous situations and solutions, to problems. More than ever before the world is overwhelmed with horrors of war, racism, inequality and poverty.

The differences between nations escalate into armed conflicts. Many talk of peace while they are not against declaring war and destroying innocent lives. They fight for mere boundaries of states either to extend or expand over the others for grabbing natural resources or to retain their Independence. It is a fight among super and weaker states super states trying to eliminate weaker ones.

Some advocate peace while producing weapons of mass destruction. However, the thorny issues the world is confronted with, could be resolved without much bitterness and agony. The intellectual hierarchy is trying their best to case the situation. Hence one could see the nations forging ahead with success solving their problems by whatever means possible. It is against this backdrop that the member nations were blessed with the British Commonwealth and in this regard it's emergence, the evolution, and the influence is of immense value and of vital importance to the future of mankind.

Today there is a single Commonwealth comprising of partnership of equal nations, multi racial and multi cultural.

In 1971 the Commonwealth of Nations was described as "a voluntary association of Independent sovereign states each responsible for its own policies consulting and co-operating it the common interests of their people and in the promotion of International Undertakings and World Peace. It has proclaimed to the world that it is an undisputed fact that the Commonwealth is playing a very important role in the interest of its members in every sphere. This is by all means the greatest blessing for any country wishing development, peace and harmony.

CHOGM in Sri Lanka

The latter part of the year 2013 is going to be an eventful year for Sri Lanka as the Commonwealth, the multi racial Association which was grown in strength and numbers gaining recognition throughout the globe, is going to be welcomed by the paradise isle. This year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will be held in Colombo from November 15th to 17th. The delegates will be welcomed on the newly completed Expressway. The venue is an ideal location for an event of this nature in this wonderland, and also it will be one of the key attractions to the delegates. It is a widely known fact that the Commonwealth which in the course of it's evolution has gathered a wealth of experience knowledge with its expertise and diversified exposure could contribute in no small measure to the development and progress of the country. The long awaited occasion will bless Sri Lanka with a range of benefits beyond expression. It is stated that all previous meetings have produced good results. Many of the lost states had gained plenty of economic benefits. Australia is an outstanding example regarding internal investment. Australia was the host state of CHOGM in 2011.

The most remarkable focus will be to project Sri Lanka's image globally. It will also convey the correct picture and the true situation of Sri Lanka to the globe, shedding light on the progress it was made with liberation from all woes since the era of terror - the dreadful past.

Everybody knew what the country underwent for three decades in trying to overcome the violence of all norms of Human rights. CHOGM no doubt, will realise how a country raising it's head after so much a suffering could indulge in vast development(of the affected areas) of this magnitude. In entirety the delegates of 54 countries would attend the conference providing a brilliant opportunity for Sri Lanka to exhibit its achievements as well as offers it could make for global welfare.

The true and tangible benefits

Some of the other major benefits are in the field of investment, reconstruction and reconciliation. Sri Lanka is expecting a vast range of investment to be handled by competent authorities steps have been taken to sort out the type of investment suited to the country and to be armed with the required information to educate the delegates. The most important will be the investor confidence to be assured. Preference was been given to new industrial ventures in new industrial zones to be established.

Suriyawewa earmarked is just one example. Set on the stunning coast with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean are new tourist zones demarcated for development. Paasikuda and Vakarai are two such places to face the blissful transformation. The government is also planning better strategies to create better provisions in essential services. It is setting about the task successfully to achieve its targets.

The spirit of unity and friendship

The Commonwealth Youth Forum which Sri Lanka is privileged to host too is an outcome of CHOGM, CYF, to be held at International Conference Hall Hambantota is said to be the most vital and the largest. Foreign youth representatives and experts on youth development are expected to participate and reap the benefits.

The importance of youth value will be instilled and emphasised continuously. The Commonwealth Business Forum is yet another to play a significant role in encouraging trade and investment and also fair distribution of economic dividends. (Both these should be dealt with separately in detail). CHOGM the most esteemed, is something to be proud of and all duty bound Sri Lankans should make their utmost contribution to make it the most successful and wonderful in the wonder land of Asia.