this would be the largest international event to be hosted by Sri Lanka since 1976 when Sri Lanka hosted the 5th Non-Aligned Movement Summit. Extensive preparatory arrangements are underway to host this event and the proposal made by Hon. (Prof.) G.L. Peiris for the appointment of the following Committees for policy decision making at Ministerial level, was approved by the Cabinet:

*    Committee on the Commonwealth Business Forum, under the Chairmanship of Hon.  Basil Rajapakse, Minister of Economic Development.

*    Committee on the Commonwealth Youth Forum, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Dallas Alahapperuma, Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development.


*    Committee on Media and Public Relations, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Mass Media and Information.