MR addresses Commonwealth leaders’ meeting

Sri Lankan Leader President Mahinda Rajapakse said that donor countries and institutions should not think about the political and global happiness of the aid receiving countries when they grant development aid.
Donor nations should only consider whether the relevant state is suitable to receive aid. The aid should also be given direct through the relevant government but not through non-governmental organizations or other private institutions. Addressing at a leaders’ meeting held in the Commonwealth Secretariat on Tuesday he further explained that some NGOs at according to their private agenda and not according to the needs of the public in the developing countries. He said that UN an allied donor agencies should also acting transparent and democratic manner in distributing aid to poor countries.

Leaders of 12 Commonwealth countries participated at the special meeting headed by British Premier Gordon Brown.
Commonwealth leaders have called for the reform of international organisations. The world has witnessed continued financial crisis and record levels of prices for food and fuel.

They issued a statement after a two day summit in London.

These challenges expressed the fundamental weaknesses of international organisations that are responsible for promoting economic stability and sustainable development.

Meanwhile the Commonwealth leaders also stressed the need to achieve reform of international institutions and to form new ones.

They have recognised that sovereign states must have the capacity and freedom to determine national goals and implement national policies and strategies.

An extra ordinary meeting of Commonwealth heads of government will be held in September this year. They have given the guidance to the Commonwealth Secretary General to develop an action plan on reform of international institutions.