2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

November 2018 November 2020 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013 logo.png Sri Lanka 15–17 November 2013 Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Waters Edge Colombo 50 Heads of Government/State 27Commonwealth puts on united front after summit rifts http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/380283/commonwealth-to-put-on-united-front-after-summit-rifts Bangkok Post 17 November 2013 Mahinda Rajapaksa 2011 2015 Colombo Declaration on Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable DevelopmentTrackle High Debt & PovertyBoycott over Human rights in Sri Lanka The 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM; ˈ tʃ ɒ g əm) was the 23rd Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations. It was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 15 to 17 November 2013.Commonwealth announces dates for 2013 Heads of Government meeting http://secretariat.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/34581/251758/071212chogm.htm Commonwealth Secretariat 7 December 2012 23 November 2013 19 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131119224809/http://secretariat.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/34581/251758/071212chogm.htm dead Commonwealth leaders agreed on Sri Lanka as the 2013 host for the meeting when they met in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2009. Sri Lanka, which was originally slated to host the summit in 2011, was accused of committing atrocities during the Sri Lankan civil war and the summit was instead held in Perth, Australia; Colombo was given the 2013 summit instead.Gordon Brown will not back Sri Lanka's bid to host Commonwealth summit Philip Webster The Times 27 November 2009 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6934131.ece LondonSeptember 2024 medicmedicOttawa opposes Sri Lanka bid to host next Commonwealth summit Steven Chase The Globe and Mail 27 November 2009 https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawa-opposes-sri-lanka-bid-to-host-next-commonwealth-summit/article1381338/ Toronto The leaders of Canada, Mauritius, and India boycotted the summit, citing alleged human rights violations by Sri Lanka against its Tamil minority.Mauritius pulls out of CHOGM https://www.smh.com.au/world/mauritius-pulls-out-of-chogm-20131113-2xf7c.html The Sydney Morning Herald 13 November 2013 Agence France-PresseMauritius pulls out of hosting 2015 CHOGM: PM https://www.newindianexpress.com/?pageNumber=1&parentId=130222&operation=complaint The New Indian Express 16 November 2013 Press Trust of India Protests were also banned during the summit.http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/11/colombo-summit-overshadowed-rights-row-2013111555924334578.html Colombo summit overshadowed by rights row Al Jazeera English 2013-11-17 President Mahinda Rajapaksa summarised the summit's events as: "Issues covered in the communique include development, political values, global threats, challenges and Commonwealth cooperation."http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/11/war-crimes-dominate-commonwealth-summit-20131117133558811920.html War crimes dominate commonwealth summit However, the meeting was overshadowed by controversy over Sri Lanka's human rights record and the alleged war crimes during the final stages of the civil war.Colombo summit overshadowed by rights row http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/11/colombo-summit-overshadowed-rights-row-2013111555924334578.html Al Jazeera 15 November 2013Sri Lanka summit overshadowed by human rights record http://www.itv.com/news/2013-11-13/sri-lanka-summit-overshadowed-by-human-rights-record/ ITV News 16 November 2013CHOGM 2013: Commonwealth leaders sign communiqué on poverty reduction and trade as talks close http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-18/commonwealth-leaders-sign-agreement-on-3f3f-as-chogm-closes/5097976 ABC News (Australia) 17 November 2013 This was the first time in 40 years that the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, was not present at the CHOGM.Cavill Amanda Controversy stalks Sri Lanka's CHOGM http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/11/12/controversy-stalks-sri-lankas-chogm SBS World News 12 November 2013Perfidious Albion cannot change its spots http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=36793 TamilNet 5 November 2013 Background At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2007 in Kampala, Uganda, Commonwealth leaders agreed on Sri Lanka as the host for the 2011 meeting.CHOGM ends in Kampala http://secretariat.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/34581/173062/251107chogmclose.htm Commonwealth Secretariat 25 November 2007 dead https://archive.today/20131118024020/http://secretariat.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/34581/173062/251107chogmclose.htm 18 November 2013 However, during the final stages of the Sri Lankan civil war the government was accused of committing war crimes, and hence at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2009 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago it was decided that the 2011 meeting would be held in Perth, Australia whilst Sri Lanka would host the 2013 meeting.Watt Nicholas Commonwealth vetoes Sri Lanka bid to hold 2011 gathering https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/29/commonwealth-vetoes-sri-lanka-bid The Guardian 29 November 2009Australia to host 2011 Commonwealth meeting https://www.smh.com.au/world/australia-to-host-2011-commonwealth-meeting-20091129-jyit.html The Sydney Morning Herald 29 November 2009 Australian Associated PressChase Steven Ottawa opposes Sri Lanka bid to host next Commonwealth summit https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawa-opposes-sri-lanka-bid-to-host-next-commonwealth-summit/article1381338/ The Globe and Mail 27 November 2009 TorontoWebster Philip Gordon Brown will not back Sri Lanka's bid to host Commonwealth summit http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6934131.ece The Times 27 November 2009 LondonSeptember 2024 medicmedic At the 2011 meeting Commonwealth leaders reaffirmed that the 2013 meeting would be held in Sri Lanka.Commonwealth leaders release CHOGM 2011 Communiqué http://secretariat.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/34581/241632/301011communique.htm Commonwealth Secretariat 30 October 2011 dead https://archive.today/20131118023949/http://secretariat.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/34581/241632/301011communique.htm 18 November 2013 In May 2013, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II would not be attending the meeting.Queen to miss Commonwealth meeting https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22431757 BBC News 7 May 2013Queen to miss Commonwealth meeting in Sri Lanka http://www.channel4.com/news/sri-lanka-queen-commonwealth-summit-prince-charles Channel 4 News 7 May 2013 Charles, Prince of Wales, would be attending in the 87-year-old monarch's place, as she has curtailed her overseas visits due to age.Davison Janet Prince Charles gets higher Commonwealth role as Queen stays home http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/prince-charles-gets-higher-commonwealth-role-as-queen-stays-home-1.1342380 CBC News 8 May 2013Mayer Catherine The Queen's Era Is Drawing to an End as Prince Charles Assumes New Royal Duties https://world.time.com/2013/05/07/prince-charles-takes-on-queen-elizabeths-duties/ Time 7 May 2013 Organisation SriLankan Airlines bore the logo of the summit. Venues Amongst the venues, an unnamed branch of the Sri Lankan government, said that the main summit venue, in the capital, Colombo - Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall - is an "outright gift from the Government and People of the People's Republic of China."http://news.lk/features/chogm-2013/6912-srilankan-ready-to-welcome-the-attendees-of-chogm-2013 SriLankan ready to welcome the attendees of CHOGM 2013 News.lk 2013-11-17 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230632/http://news.lk/features/chogm-2013/6912-srilankan-ready-to-welcome-the-attendees-of-chogm-2013 2 December 2013Shanker V. Prem CHOGM: Indian PM's absence to benefit China? http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/2013/11/chogm-indian-pm-absence-benefit-china-201311118392960885.html Al Jazeera 11 November 2013Senanayake Maheen The BMICH Four Decades on http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=78784 The Island (Sri Lanka) 12 May 2013 The opening ceremony was held at Colombo's Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. The leaders' retreat was at Waters Edge in the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte suburb of the capital. Other venues included the International Convention Centre, Hambantota; Chaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa; and the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Colombo.Venues http://www.chogm2013.lk/index.php/paricipant-info/venues/ CHOGM 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131116021318/http://www.chogm2013.lk/index.php/paricipant-info/venues/ 16 November 2013 Summit Official programme and agenda The official programme outlined a week of activities including three days of meetings for heads of government.Official Programme https://s3.amazonaws.com/Pressrelese/CHOGM-2013-Official%20Programme_FINAL.pdf CHOGM 2013 16 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131206072011/https://s3.amazonaws.com/Pressrelese/CHOGM-2013-Official%20Programme_FINAL.pdf 6 December 2013 dead Discussions thumb|right|British Prime Minister David Cameron inspecting the burnt down printing press of Uthayan in Jaffna on 15 November with E. Saravanapavan, the managing director of the newspaper and a Member of Parliament representing Jaffna. British Prime Minister David Cameron reiterated calls for an independent investigation into the alleged war crimes.Jivanda Tomas Sri Lanka dismisses David Cameron's call for independent human rights inquiry https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/sri-lanka-dismisses-david-camerons-call-for-independent-human-rights-inquiry-8944157.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/sri-lanka-dismisses-david-camerons-call-for-independent-human-rights-inquiry-8944157.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent 16 November 2013 LondonMason Rowena Sri Lanka defiant after Cameron calls for war crimes investigation https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/16/sri-lanka-david-cameron-war-crime-allegations The Observer 17 November 2013 "There needs to be proper inquiries into what happened at the end of the war, there needs to be proper human rights, democracy for the Tamil minority in that country" Cameron stated.Woodcock Andrew Sri Lanka: Cameron calls for war crimes inquiry http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/sri-lanka-cameron-calls-for-war-crimes-inquiry-1-3189795 Scotland on Sunday 15 November 2013Britain's Cameron faces protests in former Sri Lanka war zone http://www.euronews.com/newswires/2205628-torture-claims-cast-shadow-over-sri-lankas-commonwealth-summit/ Euronews 15 November 2013 Shihar Aneez Frank Jack Daniel Reuters dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232935/http://www.euronews.com/newswires/2205628-torture-claims-cast-shadow-over-sri-lankas-commonwealth-summit/ 2 December 2013 He stated that if this investigation wasn't completed by March 2014 he would press for an independent international inquiry.Cameron calls for war crimes inquiry in Sri Lanka https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-24967501 BBC News 16 November 2013Britain gives Sri Lanka deadline on war crimes probe https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/britain-gives-sri-lanka-deadline-on-war-crimes-probe/article5358307.ece The Hindu 16 November 2013 Deutsche Presse-Agentur Chennai, IndiaDavid Cameron puts Sri Lanka on notice over war crime allegations http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-17/an-david-cameron-puts-sri-lanka-on-notice-over-war-crime-allega/5097278 ABC News (Australia) 17 November 2013 Agence France-Presse This followed a visit to Jaffna Peninsula, the first visit to northern Sri Lanka by a foreign leader.Robinson Nick Cameron in Northern Sri Lanka https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24954387 BBC News 15 November 2013 Nick Robinson (journalist)Relatives of missing Tamils plead for PM to act http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-11-15/relatives-of-missing-tamils-plead-for-pm-to-act/ ITV News 16 November 2013 Cameron was mobbed by demonstrators, mostly women, seeking his assistance in tracing missing relatives.Doherty Ben Tamil protesters mob British Prime Minister in Jaffna https://www.smh.com.au/world/tamil-protesters-mob-british-prime-minister-in-jaffna-20131116-2xn4a.html The Sydney Morning Herald 16 November 2013Mason Rowena David Cameron's car surrounded by Sri Lankan protesters https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/15/david-cameron-car-surrounded-sri-lankan-protesters-tamil The Guardian 15 November 2013 Cameron also said that he would have "tough conversations" with Rajapaksa. In response to Cameron's pledge to push for a UN-led investigation into the alleged war crimes unless Sri Lanka credibly addressed human rights concerns by March 2014, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse said: "Why should we have an international inquiry? We will object to it ... Definitely, we are not going to allow it."http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/11/sri-lanka-says-it-will-block-un-rights-probe-20131116101510198752.html Sri Lanka says it will block UN rights probe - Central & South Asia Al Jazeera English 2013-11-17 The Defence Secretary and another sibling of the President, Gotabhaya Rajapakse in a response, stated that "there were other countries such as Russia, China and Cuba at the UNHRC who would not support it." The defence minister also went on record to proclaim that the British Premier was 'siding' with the 'LTTE rump', and was mistakenly thinking that Sri Lanka was still a British colony.http://colombogazette.com/2013/11/18/gota-slams-british-premier/ Gota slams British Premier Colombo Gazette 18 November 2013 19 November 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005126/http://colombogazette.com/2013/11/18/gota-slams-british-premier/ 3 December 2013 In response to questions about the Government's use of torture, Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters that while his government "deplores the use of torture we accept that sometimes in difficult circumstances difficult things happen".https://www.sbs.com.au/news/abbott-s-torture-comment-sparks-response Abbott's torture comment sparks response The chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action GroupNovember 2013 briefed heads of government on the electoral crisis in the Maldives. The CMAG had, earlier in November, expressed its "deep disappointment" that the presidential election process had not concluded prior to the expiration of the president's term in office on 11 November 2013.http://thecommonwealth.org/media/press-release/statement-maldives-commonwealth-ministerial-action-group Statement on Maldives by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group The Commonwealth 2013-11-11 2013-11-17 The CHOGM was expected to discuss how to deal with the situation on 16 November.http://www.firstpost.com/world/commonwealth-decides-to-wait-till-saturday-on-maldives-prez-issue-1232755.html Commonwealth decides to wait till Saturday on Maldives prez issue First Post (India) 2011-02-23 2013-11-17 Canada and Australia blocked a proposal to establish a climate change fund, the Commonwealth Climate Change Risk Fund, named the Capital Green Fund, which would have assisted poorer countries dealing with the impact of global warming.Australia, Canada block Commonwealth climate fund https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/foreign-affairs/australia-canada-block-commonwealth-climate-fund/news-story/cb0c0acccddd84358be39cb0653fa5b4 18 November 2013 The Australian 2013-11-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20131118045130/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/policy/australia-canada-block-commonwealth-climate-fund/story-fn59nm2j-1226762200075 subscription live 18 November 2013 The hereditary issue of leading the Commonwealth, however, did not appear to have been discussed formally and was not mentioned in the meeting's final communique.CHOGM 2013 Communiqué https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/final-communique-and-statement/CHOGM+2013+Communique.pdf CHOGM 2013 17 November 2013https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-rejects-commonwealth-climate-change-risk-fund-20131118-2xplc.html The Sydney Morning Herald Tony Abbott rejects Commonwealth climate change risk fund In a speech given at a dinner held in honour of the government leaders, Prince Charles spoke in what The Daily Telegraph described as "a pitch for himself as the Queen's eventual successor as head of the organisation." He spoke of his personal attachment to the Commonwealth: "I feel very much part of the family. It's in my blood, I'm afraid. I have been brought up in the family and I think that what we are renewing here are those family ties, those family associations and family values. I feel proud and enormously privileged to be part of it all."Raynor, Daily Telegraph Gordon Prince Charles stakes claim for family job at the Commonwealth top table http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-prince-charles-stakes-claim-for-family-job-at-the-commonwealth-top-table-1919871 18 November 2013 DNA India 16 November 2013 Outcomes Malta was chosen as the host of CHOGM 2015.Malta to host CHOGM 2015 http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/38846-malta-to-host-chogm-2015.html The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)/The Times (Malta) 17 November 2013Malta to host 2015 CHOGM summit http://colombogazette.com/2013/11/17/malta-to-host-2015-summit/ Colombo Gazette 17 November 2013 dead https://archive.today/20131117113833/http://colombogazette.com/2013/11/17/malta-to-host-2015-summit/ 17 November 2013 CHOGM 2018 will be held in Vanuatu and CHOGM 2020 will be held in Malaysia.CHOGM headed to Malta http://www.skynews.com.au/world/article.aspx?id=925347 Sky News Australia 17 November 2013 The final communique was issued as the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Development and agreed that eradicating poverty and climate change are major challenges for all countries.Colombo Declaration on Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Development http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/colombo-declaration-sustainable-inclusive-and-equitable-development Commonwealth of Nations 17 November 2013 Other agreements were made on the necessity for steps to tackle high debt and poverty. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the meetings were characterised by "fruitful discussions...I am happy with the outcome we have reached at this CHOGM."CHOGM 2013: Commonwealth leaders sign communiqué on poverty reduction and trade as talks close http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-18/commonwealth-leaders-sign-agreement-on-3f3f-as-chogm-closes/5097976 ABC News (Australia) 17 November 2013Commonwealth puts on united front http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/38854-commonwealth-puts-on-united-front.html The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)/Bangkok Post 17 November 2013 However, he also warned against an ultimatum to address war crimes allegation by March 2014 saying he would not be pushed "into a corner."Commonwealth shows united front after summit rifts http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2013/11/18/2003577154 Taipei Times 17 November 2013 Agence France-PresseMR defies Cameron http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/38850-mr-defies-cameron.html The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 17 November 2013 Other discussions included the "core values" of democracy, rule of law, human rights, freedom of expression and religion, women's rights, ridding corruption, transparency, natural resource management and taxation. It also mentioned the issues of small states, including Small Island Developing States; other global issues such as non-state terrorism, the Arms Trade Treaty and arms control, sexual violence in conflict, education, health and general social development. Specifically, the issues of Fiji, Cyprus, Belize, Guyana and The Gambia were discussed. Wider issues of building partnership and networks within the Commonwealth were also discussed. Controversy Boycott 2013 Anti–Sri Lanka protests thumb|200 px|Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam was the third leader to boycott the summit over Sri Lanka's poor human rights record, and as a result, relinquished his country's bid to host the next summit in 2015. There were significant calls from many bodies not to host the summit in Sri Lanka and to boycott the event, because of the country's alleged poor human rights record and reported atrocities against the Tamil population in the country.http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-12/india/43979125_1_commonwealth-summit-arvin-boolell-chogm https://web.archive.org/web/20131115043915/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-12/india/43979125_1_commonwealth-summit-arvin-boolell-chogm dead 15 November 2013 The Times of India Mauritius joins India, refuses to send PM to Lanka for CHOGM 14 November 2013 Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper stated that he would not attend the meeting as a protest at Sri Lanka's alleged failure to improve its human rights record, as he said he would at the previous CHOGM; the Canadian Prime Minister had previously walked out of the 2011 summit during its last day when Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was invited to speak.Cheadle Bruce Commonwealth leaders agree to develop charter of values and little else https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1078397--commonwealth-leaders-agree-to-develop-charter-of-values-and-little-else?bn=1 30 October 2011 Toronto Star 30 October 2011 It was announced that Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs Deepak Obhrai would represent Canada.https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-scrubs-sri-lanka-visit-over-human-rights-violations/article14719839/ Clark Campbell Harper raises stakes by threatening to cut Commonwealth funding 7 October 2013 The Globe and Mail 8 October 2013 Toronto Harper further elaborated that Canada might cease its contributions to the funding of the Commonwealth should no action be taken by the organisation against Sri Lanka;Petrasek David Canada Should Play the Royal Card Against Sri Lanka's Government http://cips.uottawa.ca/canada-should-play-the-royal-card-against-sri-lankas-government/ CIPSBlog Centre for International Policy Studies, University of Ottawa 17 February 2013Commonwealth Asks Canada to Drop Sri Lanka Boycott http://www.indocanadaoutlook.com/index.php/archives/2012/october-2012/358-commonwealth-asks-canada-to-drop-sri-lanka-boycott 17 February 2013 October 2012https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/10/07/harper_makes_good_on_threat_to_boycott_sri_lanka_over_human_rights_violations.html The Canadian Press Stephen Harper cancels Sri Lanka visit over human rights violations 7 October 2013 Toronto Star 7 October 2013 he cited the impeachment of the country's chief justice and the execution and imprisonment of journalists and political opponents of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. At the time, Senator Hugh Segal, Canada's envoy to the Commonwealth, claimed that the Commonwealth Secretariat was acting "as a 'shill'" for Sri Lanka's government. In October 2013, the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu passed a unanimous resolution demanding that the Indian government boycott the meeting and also sought the temporary suspension of Sri Lanka from the Commonwealth until Sri Lanka takes steps to grant what they call similar rights to Tamils as those enjoyed by Sinhalese.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-24/news/43365926_1_sri-lankan-tamils-chogm-resolution https://web.archive.org/web/20131027113617/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-24/news/43365926_1_sri-lankan-tamils-chogm-resolution dead 27 October 2013 TN Assembly passes resolution demanding CHOGM boycott 27 October 2013 The Times of India 24 October 2013https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tamil-Nadu-govt-moves-resolution-demanding-Centre-to-boycott-CHOGM/articleshow/24646750.cms https://web.archive.org/web/20131027102937/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-24/india/43362036_1_chogm-resolution-tamil-nadu live 27 October 2013 Tamil Nadu govt moves resolution demanding Centre to boycott CHOGM 27 October 2013 The Times of India 24 October 2013https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tamil-Nadu-assembly-passes-resolution-demanding-India-boycott-Commonwealth-meeting/articleshow/24650700.cms https://web.archive.org/web/20131027090634/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-24/india/43361776_1_sri-lankan-tamils-resolution-eelam live 27 October 2013 Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolution demanding India boycott Commonwealth meeting 27 October 2013 The Times of India 24 October 2013http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/tn-govt-urges-india-to-boycott-chogm-moves-resolution-113102400262_1.html India should stay away from CHOGM: Tamil Nadu assembly Business Standard India 24 October 2013 27 October 2013 Press Trust of India Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced his decision not to participate in the event due to pressure from the regional Tamil party regarding Sri Lanka's alleged human rights record. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, who represented India at the summit in the prime minister's place, said: "The position we have taken is, it is not a boycott."https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indian-prime-minister-to-boycott-commonwealth-summit-in-sri-lanka-over-human-rights-issue/2013/11/10/d1e28016-49d1-11e3-b87a-e66bd9ff3537_story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20131110081715/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indian-prime-minister-to-boycott-commonwealth-summit-in-sri-lanka-over-human-rights-issue/2013/11/10/d1e28016-49d1-11e3-b87a-e66bd9ff3537_story.html 10 November 2013 Indian PM to boycott Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka over human rights issue, says official The Washington Post 10 November 2013 dead The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, stated that he would not attend the meeting as a protest at Sri Lanka's alleged failure to improve its human rights recordhttp://www.colombopage.com/archive_13B/Nov12_1384277518CH.php Mauritius PM also to boycott CHOGM in Sri Lanka 12 November 2013 12 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131112200419/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13B/Nov12_1384277518CH.php usurpedhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24918261 BBC News Mauritian PM to join Sri Lanka Commonwealth summit boycott 12 November 2013 and was thus withdrawing as the host of CHOGM 2015 as protocol would have required him to attend the summit in order to personally invite other member states. "I have made it perfectly clear that human rights are more important than hosting a Commonwealth summit, regardless of its importance."Cameron set to antagonise Commonwealth summit hosts again https://news.yahoo.com/boycott-hit-commonwealth-summit-begins-sri-lanka-023140863.html 15 November 2013 Yahoo News 15 November 2013 In the United Kingdom, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee called on that country's prime minister, David Cameron, not to attend the meeting in light of Sri Lanka's human rights record. Cameron also expressed concern about human rights issues in the country. However, Cameron later affirmed that he would attend.David Cameron will defy boycott calls to attend Sri Lanka Commonwealth Summit https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/srilanka/10036673/David-Cameron-will-defy-boycott-calls-to-attend-Sri-Lanka-Commonwealth-Summit.html 10 May 2013 The Daily Telegraph 3 May 2013 London Damien McElroy The Channel 4 documentary No Fire Zone, which presented evidence of alleged war crimes by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, had resulted in increased calls for a boycott.November 2013 In Malaysia, Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of the state of Penang, and the Secretary General of the Democratic Action Party called on the Malaysian government to boycott the summit as a protest against alleged human violations committed by the island republic against ethnic Tamils there.http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=36773 Penang Chief Minister calls for boycott of CHOGM in Colombo 27 October 2013 However, the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak rejectedDecember 2014 that and came to Colombo. The New Zealand Green Party also placed similar calls for a boycott and for the replacement of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Commonwealth Chairperson-in-office for the next two years.http://tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=36753 18.10.13 NZ Green MP urges Foreign Minister to change CHOGM chair TamilNet 2013-10-18 2013-11-17Andrea Vance http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9364734/Protest-over-Sri-Lankan-abuse Amnesty International protest at Beehive over Sri... Stuff.co.nz 2013-11-05 2013-11-17 However New Zealand Prime minister attended the meeting. Similar views were floated by South African anti-Apartheid campaigner and Nobel laureate archbishop Desmond Tutu who suggested that the boycott of the CHOGM could be "one of the screws that the world has to apply to help the Tamil population."http://www.trust.org/item/20131107144349-hmguw/?source=hpeditorial&siteVersion=mobile Reuters - Boycotting Commonwealth summit may help Sri Lankan Tamils - Tutu 9 November 2013 9 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109030954/http://www.trust.org/item/20131107144349-hmguw/?source=hpeditorial&siteVersion=mobile dead Gheddo Piero http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Desmond-Tutu-says-no-to-Commonwealth-meeting-to-stop-violations-in-Sri-Lanka-29495.html Desmond Tutu says no to Commonwealth meeting to stop violations in Sri Lanka AsiaNews 2013-11-17 but South African President Jacob Zuma attended the meeting. Restrictions on media Prior to the start of the meeting the Sri Lankan government had given assurances that foreign media would be given free and full access.Sri Lanka Committed to Providing Full Media Access for CHOGM 2013 http://news.lk/features/chogm-2013/5893-sri-lanka-committed-to-providing-full-media-access-for-chogm-2013 news.lk 13 July 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140102201234/http://news.lk/features/chogm-2013/5893-sri-lanka-committed-to-providing-full-media-access-for-chogm-2013 2 January 2014 A team from Channel 4 News, which had broadcast several video clips of Sri Lankan troops allegedly committing atrocities during the civil war, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport on 11 November 2013 and were met by a group of pro-government demonstrators, despite a ban on demonstrations during CHOGM.Bastians Dharisha Channel 4 team greeted with protests on arrival http://www.ft.lk/2013/11/12/channel-4-team-greeted-with-protests-on-arrival/ Daily FT 12 November 2013 17 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223153/http://www.ft.lk/2013/11/12/channel-4-team-greeted-with-protests-on-arrival/ 2 December 2013 deadParanahewa Ashan Protest against Callum Macrae http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-47274-news-detail-protest-against-callum-macrae.html Ceylon Today 11 November 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131112230804/http://ceylontoday.lk/16-47274-news-detail-protest-against-callum-macrae.html 12 November 2013 The Channel 4 News claimed that they were followed by state intelligence operatives throughout their visit to Sri Lanka.Channel 4 News returns to Sri Lanka http://blogs.channel4.com/world-news-blog/channel-4-news-returns-sri-lanka/26354 Channel 4 News 15 November 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131117035259/http://blogs.channel4.com/world-news-blog/channel-4-news-returns-sri-lanka/26354 17 November 2013 On 13 November 2013 the Channel 4 News team tried to get to Kilinochchi in northern Sri Lanka by train but a group of pro-government demonstrators blocked the railway line near Anuradhapura.British TV crew blocked from reaching Sri Lanka's former war zone https://www.reuters.com/article/us-srilanka-film-warcrime-idUSBRE9AC0NO20131113 Reuters 13 November 2013 Shihar Aneez Ranga SirilalChannel 4 crew blocked from reaching Sri Lanka's former war zone http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/1113/486452-sri-lanka/ RTÉ News 13 November 2013Protesters stop journalists from travelling in Sri Lanka http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-11-13/protesters-stop-uk-journalists-from-travelling-in-sri-lanka/ ITV News 13 November 2013 Channel 4 News claimed that they had been followed on to the train by state intelligence operatives.Sri Lanka: Fear and fury as leaders fly in for Commonwealth conference https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/fear-and-fury-in-sri-lanka-as-leaders-fly-in-for-commonwealth-conference-8937771.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/fear-and-fury-in-sri-lanka-as-leaders-fly-in-for-commonwealth-conference-8937771.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent 13 November 2013 Cahal Milmo Oliver Wright LondonMiller Jonathan Channel 4 News blocked by mob in Sri Lanka http://blogs.channel4.com/miller-on-foreign-affairs/channel-4-news-blocked-mob-sri-lanka/454 Channel 4 News 13 November 2013 The team were forced into a van by police and driven back to Colombo.de Pear Ben Sri Lanka, 'impossible journalism' and Channel 4 News http://www.channel4.com/news/channel-4-news-sri-lanka-mahinda-rajapaksa-chogm-summit Channel 4 News 17 November 2013Wickremasekara Damith Channel 4 TV crew agree to pay van charges http://www.sundaytimes.lk/131117/news/channel-4-tv-crew-agree-to-pay-van-charges-73662.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 17 November 2013 At 6.30am on 17 November 2013 six immigration officials visited the Channel 4 News crew at their hotel and warned them against violating the conditions laid down in their visas.Farisz Hafeel Immigration officials warned C-4 crew prior to departure http://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/38888-immigration-officials-warned-c-4-crew-prior-to-departure.html The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 18 November 2013 Channel 4 News left Sri Lanka later on 17 November 2013, earlier than planned, blaming intimidation and surveillance by Sri Lankan security forces.British news team leaves Lanka after harassment http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/british-news-team-leaves-lanka-after-harassment/article1-1152679.aspx https://web.archive.org/web/20131118092726/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/british-news-team-leaves-lanka-after-harassment/article1-1152679.aspx dead 18 November 2013 Hindustan Times 18 November 2013 Agence France-PresseUK's Channel-4 team forced to pull out of Sri Lanka http://news.oneindia.in/international/uk-s-channel-4-team-forced-pull-of-sri-lanka-1343317.html https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231851/http://news.oneindia.in/international/uk-s-channel-4-team-forced-pull-of-sri-lanka-1343317.html dead 2 December 2013 Oneindia.in 18 November 2013 A BBC News crew trying to film President Rajapaksa at a CHOGM event on 14 November 2013 were physically restrained by security officials.BBC TV crew held back at Sri Lanka Commonwealth event https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-24935857 BBC News 14 November 2013 An Agence France-Presse trying to work in Mullaitivu District on 18 November 2013 were prevented from doing so by the military.Sri Lanka military to probe blocking of foreign media http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/world/story/sri-lanka-military-probe-blocking-foreign-media-20131123 The Sunday Times (Singapore) 23 November 2013 Agence France-PresseMilitary to probe blocking of foreign media http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-48266-news-detail-military-to-probe-blocking-of-foreign-media.html Ceylon Today 23 November 2013 Agence France-Presse dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131125001255/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-48266-news-detail-military-to-probe-blocking-of-foreign-media.html 25 November 2013 Restrictions on protests In October 2013 it was reported that the government was planning to ban all protests, marches and other demonstrations for three weeks in November, coinciding with CHOGM.Sri Lanka: Banning Commonwealth summit protests a blatant attempt to silence criticism https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/sri-lanka-chogm-ban-protests-2013-10-10 Amnesty International 10 October 2013SRI LANKA: The democracy is to be silenced and protest banned in the month of November for the CHOGM http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-183-2013 Asian Human Rights Commission 10 October 2013 The government denied the reports.No ban on protests during CHOGM - Govt http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/21777-no-ban-on-protests-during-chogm-govt.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 11 October 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191940/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/21777-no-ban-on-protests-during-chogm-govt.html 2 January 2014 However, on 14 November 2013 the police obtained a court order preventing any protests during CHOGM.Edirisinghe Dasun Police obtain order restraining protests http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=92094 The Island (Sri Lanka) 15 November 2013Court bans protests during CHOGM http://www.ft.lk/2013/11/15/court-bans-protests-during-chogm/ Daily FT 15 November 2013 17 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192916/http://www.ft.lk/2013/11/15/court-bans-protests-during-chogm/ 2 January 2014 dead A group of Tamils trying to travel to Colombo on 13 November 2013 to protest about disappeared relatives were prevented from doing so by the Sri Lankan military.Tamils stopped en route to Colombo before Commonwealth summit https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24922934 BBC News 13 November 2013Colombo cracks down on protesters http://www.arabnews.com/news/477031 Arab News 14 November 2013 Agence France-Presse Restrictions on travel The Civil Air Services Authority suspended all FitsAir flights to Jaffna Airport between 10 and 18 November 2013, allegedly to restrict foreign access to the north of the country.Ariyawansha Niranjala No private air travel to Jaffna for CHOGM http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-47381-news-detail-no-private-air-travel-to-jaffna-for-chogm.html Ceylon Today 13 November 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131116055026/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-47381-news-detail-no-private-air-travel-to-jaffna-for-chogm.html 16 November 2013Colombo suspends flights to Jaffna ahead of CHOGM http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=36818 TamilNet 12 November 2013 Participants Of the 53 Commonwealth members, only 27 heads of government/state (nine presidents, 16 prime ministers, one sultan and one governor general) attended the meeting, the lowest in decades.Wijedasa Namini CHOGM-SHOWGM: Highs and lows of Govt.'s magnum opus http://www.sundaytimes.lk/131117/news/chogm-showgm-highs-and-lows-of-govt-s-magnum-opus-73694.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 17 November 2013 22 other members sent other delegates such as foreign ministers, vice-presidents, deputy prime ministers and high commissioners. Three members - Grenada, Kiribati and Maldives - did not attend and Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth.CHOGM, Channel 4 and the SL Editors' Guild http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=92238 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 17 November 2013 The participants were:Commonwealth Countries Come Together in Sri Lanka for CHOGM 2013 https://s3.amazonaws.com/Pressrelese/Documents%20&%20Press%20Releases/15-11-2013/CHOGM-PR-Opening-Ceremony%20-Nov-15.pdf CHOGM 2013 15 November 2013July 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Jayasuriya Ranga Sri Lanka's moment in the limelight http://www.ceylontoday.lk/59-47734-news-detail-sri-lankas-moment-in-the-limelight.html Ceylon Today 17 November 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150610215231/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/59-47734-news-detail-sri-lankas-moment-in-the-limelight.html 10 June 2015 Country Representative Office Commonwealth Prince Charles Prince of Wales (representing the Head of the Commonwealth) Commonwealth Kamalesh Sharma Commonwealth Secretary-General Mahinda Rajapaksa (Chair-in-office) President Carl Bertrand Westerby Roberts High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Tony Abbott Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister Perry Christie Prime Minister Maxine McClean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Wilfred Peter Elrington Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kenneth Matambo Minister of Finance Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan Joseph Ngute Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Deepak Obhraihttps://nationalpost.com/news/politics/sri-lanka-accuses-canadian-government-of-placating-tamil-tigers-as-row-over-commonwealth-summit-grows Sri Lanka accuses Canadian government of 'placating' Tamil Tigers as row over Commonwealth summit grows | National Post News.nationalpost.com 2013-11-17 Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicos Anastasiades President Francine Barron High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Kwesi Amissah-Arthur Vice President Donald Ramotar President Salman Khurshid Minister of External Affairs Arnold Nicholson Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Amina Mohamed Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Tom Thabane Prime Minister Khumbo Kachali Vice President Najib Razak Prime Minister Joseph Muscat Prime Minister Arvin Boolell Minister of Foreign Affairs Oldemiro Balói Minister of Foreign Affairs Hifikepunye Pohamba President Baron Waqa President John Key Prime Minister Namadi Sambo Vice President Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister Leo Dion Deputy Prime Minister Paul Kagame President Denzil Douglas Prime Minister Alva Baptiste Minister of Foreign Affairs Cenio E. Lewis High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi Prime Minister James Michel President Samura Kamara Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo Prime Minister Jacob Zuma President Swaziland Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini Prime Minister Jakaya Kikwete President Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Prime Minister Winston Dookeran Minister of Foreign Affairs Iakoba Italeli Governor General Edward Ssekandi Vice President David Cameron Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil Prime Minister Guy Scott Vice President References External links Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013 Commonwealth Youth Forum 2013 Commonwealth People's Forum 2013 Category:2013 in international relations Category:2013 in Sri Lanka 2013 Category:Diplomatic conferences in Sri Lanka Category:Foreign relations of the Commonwealth of Nations Category:Human rights abuses in Sri Lanka Category:Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth of Nations Category:2010s in Colombo Category:2013 diplomatic conferences Category:November 2013 in Sri Lanka Category:Protests in India