COLOMBO : Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Commonwealth partnerships through
its active participation in the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM
2026), held from 1 to 4 November 2026 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Prime Minister
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya led the Sri Lankan delegation to the meeting, convened under the
theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.
Bringing together Heads of State and Government from the Commonwealth’s 56 member
countries, the Summit provided an important platform to advance cooperation in trade and
investment, digital transformation, climate resilience and youth empowerment. Sri Lanka’s
participation enabled the country to advance its diplomatic, economic and development
priorities while strengthening engagement with Commonwealth partners.
As part of her official engagements, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya participated in the
opening ceremony and Executive Sessions on 3 November, followed by the Commonwealth
Heads and Business Leaders Breakfast Meeting and the Leaders’ Retreat on 4 November. On
2 November, she addressed high-level segments of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, the
Global Summit for Eye Health and the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs’ Summit of the
Commonwealth Business Forum, highlighting Sri Lanka’s achievements, policy priorities and
opportunities for international cooperation in these areas.
Addressing the opening plenary of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, held under the
theme “Advancing Gender Equality: Investment in a Prosperous and Resilient
Commonwealth”, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of women’s leadership in
building resilient societies and achieving sustainable development. She underscored the need
to ensure women’s meaningful participation in economic, social and political decision-making.
At the Global Summit for Eye Health, she highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to universal
healthcare and equitable access to eye care services. She referred to the country’s public
healthcare initiatives, including school-based vision screening programmes and the provision
of spectacles to university students in need through the President’s Fund.
Addressing the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs’ Summit, the Prime Minister showcased
Sri Lanka’s investment potential and presented two projects supported by the Commonwealth
Climate Finance Access Hub: the Climate Resilient Agro-Ecosystems (CRAES) Project and
the GreenPort Cornerstone: Green Hydrogen-Powered Zero-Emission Port Logistics Project.
She invited Commonwealth business leaders and potential investors to explore these initiatives
and pursue opportunities for investment and collaboration.
During the Executive Sessions on 3 November, the Prime Minister joined Commonwealth
leaders in deliberations on strengthening intra-Commonwealth trade and investment,
