CHOGM Chairperson stays at home
The Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office Mahinda Rajapaksa did not attend the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games that commenced in Glasgow in Scotland on the 22nd. Mr. Rajapaksa was appointed as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Commonwealth at CHOGM held in Sri Lanka in November, last year.
Government ministers make controversial statements regarding the non participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Neomal Perera had told BBC that President Rajapaksa did not participate as his security was not adequate. However, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is in Scotland for the Games, has told BBC that President did not participate as he is getting ready for the Uva PC election.
The Chairperson-in-Office should participate in the official opening of the Commonwealth Games while the Queen participates as the head of the Commonwealth. This time only the Queen participated. More than 140 athletes and officials participated representing Sri Lanka.
