The Prince of Wales steered clear of criticising Sri Lanka's record on human rights as he made his first address to a Commonwealth summit as the Queen's representative, The Telegraph reported.
The closest the Prince came to alluding to the allegations of torture, kidnap and other abuses was when he referred to the "touch of healing" the Commonwealth can bring, the paper said.
The Prince was in a difficult position, as he is duty-bound to steer clear of politics as the Queen's representative, it added.
The paper also reported British Premier David Cameron gave President Rajapaska a warm round of applause when he came onto the stage at the conference theatre which is named after him.
Among the VIPs in the audience were three of the president's brothers, who are the Speaker, Defence Secretary and Minister for Economic Development, and his three sons, who all play for the national rugby team, of which one is captain.