Addressing a press conference held at the External Affairs Ministry in Sri Lanka yesterday, External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris, reiterated that,
"CHOGM will enhance the country's stature in the world."
Outlining the 'benefits' that Sri Lanka could derive from hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Peiris suggested that Sri Lanka would be able to present a case of 'political stability and tranquillity' to combat elements that looked to discredit the country with 'false propaganda'.
After outlining the close ties the country had with the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, who over the last 6 months visited Sri Lanka on four occasions, Peiris pointed out that the consequential assumption of Commonwealth leadership by Sri Lanka would put the country at the center of the world stage.
The External Affairs Minister went on to describe CHOGM as a chance showcase the results of eradicating 'terrorism' from the country, stating,
"CHOGM is a great opportunity for high profile leaders, group leaders, community leaders, come to our country and first hand, observe what has taken place in the country, the enormous strides made by the country since the eradication of terrorism."