Sri Lankan PM says Commonwealth is 'important forum' in tense world
Colombo, May 24
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Harini Amarasuriya has described the Commonwealth as "a really important forum" for its member countries at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and instability, as per a statement by the Commonwealth.
Following her first official meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House on May 21 2026, the Prime Minister said that institutions, such as the Commonwealth, build trust and promote understanding during periods of global uncertainty.
She stressed the importance of institutions such as the Commonwealth at a time when multilateralism is under threat, and international law is increasingly being challenged and disregarded.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya said: "This [Commonwealth] is a really important forum where the value of co-operation, the value of collaboration and the value of partnership ... becomes more meaningful."
She added that the Commonwealth's diverse membership gives it a unique role in bringing countries together and ensuring that different voices are heard.
"The Commonwealth can provide a space for our voices to be heard in a way that highlights some of these values that are being swept aside - values that are really important for countries such as ours," she said.
Reflecting on current geopolitical tensions, the Prime Minister highlighted that international conflicts continue to have real consequences far beyond the regions directly affected.
She pointed to the effects of the crisis in the Middle East on Sri Lanka, including rising costs for food, fuel and fertiliser.
Amarasuriya said, "The conflict that we are seeing in the world is not something that is good for anyone... As a government, we are trying our best to cushion the impact on our people because we think our people deserve a break. But I think the whole world deserves a break right now."
While expressing support and "affinity" for the Commonwealth, she said, "This is the time to make these kinds of spaces more meaningful. The Commonwealth could occupy a unique space if it is willing to take up that challenge and make the transition to becoming a really relevant organisation, because this is what this moment demands."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Sri Lanka taking a proactive stance. But let's be honest—for the Commonwealth to be truly relevant, it needs to move beyond just talk. When will it actually stand up against violations of international law, especially in places like Gaza or Ukraine? Words are cheap nowadays.
As an Indian, I feel this deeply. We share so much history and culture with Sri Lanka. The Commonwealth can be a bridge between the Global South and the West, especially when rising fuel and food prices hit us all. 'Whole world deserves a break'—well said, Madam PM! 🙏
Interesting perspective from Colombo. But I wonder—can an organization born out of colonialism really be an honest broker for peace? The Commonwealth has potential, but it needs to reform from within. Otherwise, it's just another talking shop.
The PM's point about the Middle East crisis hitting Sri Lanka's food and fuel prices is so relatable. India has also felt the pinch. These global conflicts don't stay in one place—they ripple across borders. We need more forums like the Commonwealth that elevate small-nation voices instead of just the big powers.
Respectfully, I think the Commonwealth is a relic of the past. With SAARC and BIMSTEC already there, why look to an organization that still has the British monarchy as its head? South Asian nations should focus on regional integration rather than expecting salvation from London. Just my two paise.
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