Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya Attends Official Opening of 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya attended the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held in Antigua and Barbuda on November 3, 2026.

The opening session featured addresses by King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister and Commonwealth Chair-in-Office Gaston Browne, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, and the Prime Minister of Samoa, representing the previous Commonwealth chairmanship.

Delivering the opening address, Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasised the importance of ensuring inclusive development for all Commonwealth member states, regardless of their size. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation in education and the empowerment of women.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey stressed the need to strengthen connections among member countries by expanding investment and trade relations.

She also highlighted the importance of investing in distance education to equip young people with the skills needed to address future challenges.

Addressing the growing impact of climate change, Botchwey called for stronger preparedness and resilience among all Commonwealth member states.

The opening addresses underscored the importance of collective action, inclusive development, economic cooperation and strengthening resilience in advancing the Commonwealth's shared goals and priorities.