The four-hour opening ceremony with cultural dances and parade for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that would be held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre on 15 November, will cost the government Rs 50 million, reliable sources revealed. According to sources, there will also be a four-day expo and carnival ‘reflecting the many facets of Sri Lanka,’ starting from 13 November at the ground adjacent to the National Craft Council in Battaramulla which would cost another Rs 50 million.

Reflection of Sri Lanka’ will have a food court, traditional arts and craft displayed attracting local and international investors, sources added.

The programme has been organized by the Board of Investment, Export Development Board, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Tea Board and Sri Lanka Tourism.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information, Charitha Herath, stressed the Media Ministry has hired global satellite and fibre network service provider, Globcast Africa, to be the official satellite service provider to cover CHOGM.

Herath said the last five CHOGMs were also covered by Globcast Africa and that it will cover the main event as well as the Business Forum.

CHOGM 2013 is scheduled to be held from 10 to 17 November, with the participation of over 2,000 delegates and the main events will be held in Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Herath also said the CHOGM website did not cost the ministry Rs 15 million, as alleged by a United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarian.

“I would say it’s too early to announce the total expenditure for the media operations of CHOGM at this moment. For several events, as far as I know, we have only paid some cash in advance and would finalize the expenditure once the event is over,” he said.