President Maithripala Sirisena said he
is fully satisfied with the accomplishment of goals set at the last
CHOGM in Colombo during the period of last two years when Sri Lanka was
the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth.
Addressing the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting in Malta Friday (27), he said that the progress made
in areas such as poverty eradication, promotion of trade, sustainable
development, involvement of youth in development activities, growth,
equality and dignity of the citizens.
He said that he was extremely happy that the Queen attended the Summit and praised her great leadership.
The President pointed out the issues
such as sustainability development greatly emphasized during the CHOGM
in Colombo in 2013, have been raised subsequently in the
United Nations,
thus combining the commonwealth endeavor in this regard.
The President said that what is
important is common values and not the power of wealth. He emphasized
the imperative need to achieve growth, equality and dignity for the
people. He emphasized the need for protection of environment.
Referring to the Kotte Statement issued
during the CHOGM 2013 in Colombo, he categorically stated the need to
enhance trade initiatives to expand private sector engagement in trade
and economic activity.
President Sirisena praised the work of
the outgoing Secretary General Kamlesh Sharma and thaned him for the
excellent support and cooperation extended to him as Chair in Office. He
offered best wishes to ne Chair in Office, Malta Premier Joseph Muscat.
President Sirisena was the first to
arrive at the Mediterranean Conference Hall as he was entrusted with the
responsibility of Chairing the Meeting as CHOGM Chair in Office.
Commonwealth Secretary General Dr Kamlesh Sharma received the President
and Madam Jayanthi Sirisena at the entrance. Together, they received the
next Chair in Office, Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat and Mrs
Muskat.
President Sirisena and PM Muscat and
their spouses lined up with Dr Sharma to receive the Heads of
Delegations of 53 Commonwealth countries attending the summit. The
ceremony began with singing of national anthem of Malta.
While, Malta Premier Muscat sat next to Queen, President Sirisena and Prince Phillip sat next.
After a cultural show, Prime Minister
Muscat delivered the welcome speech, which was followed by another
cultural show. Then the outgoing Chair in Office, President Sirisena
addressed the Commonwealth leaders.
Secretary General Kamlesh Sharma
addressed the gathering and invited the Head of Commonwealth, Queen
Elizabeth II to deliver her speech at the conclusion of the Inaugural
Function. (PMD)
