The Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister GL Peiris said that the country’s hosting of the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is a triumph for Sri Lanka’s foreign policy.

Speaking at an election rally in Matale, Peiris outlined the “extensive array of benefits which the nation would derive” when Sri Lanka’s president Mahinda Rajapakse assumes the leadership of the Commonwealth for two years in November, reported The Island. Peiris said that this would be instrumental in giving the country increased influence in international affairs, and the country would be better placed to counter “vicious propaganda” by hostile parties.

"A radical restructuring of our foreign relations, with a timely emphasis on political and economic co-operation with the African and Latin American regions, has been a basic facet of the new policy and it has served us well", he said.

Meanwhile the British High Commissioner in Colombo, John Rankin, said that the UK would look to Sri Lanka to demonstrate its commitment to the Commonwealth values.

"We will look to Sri Lanka, as we would any host, to demonstrate its commitment to Commonwealth values, including on freedom of expression, freedom of the media and respect for human rights and the rule of law," he said according to ColomboPage.

"Our hope is that CHOGM will be a success and we will continue to work towards that end, including through our engagement in preparations for the Commonwealth Business Forum," Rankin said.

He added that the UK had made it clear that it expects to see concrete progress on human rights, reconciliation, free, fair and peaceful Northern Provincial Council elections and that media and civil society have access and freedom of movement to the summit.

Rankin confirmed that Prince Charles would attend to represent the Queen as the head of the Commonwealth and Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague will be representing the British government.