THE controversial host of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Sri Lanka, has ramped up its campaign to convince the world it is an appropriate choice.
Sri Lanka's human rights record was under scrutiny at this week's CHOGM in Perth.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard repeatedly expressed concerns about persistent allegations of widespread abuses in the closing stages of Sri Lanka's civil war against the Tamil Tigers in 2009.
But leaders failed to press Sri Lanka on those concerns during the summit itself, with the exception of a failed attempt by the Canadian delegation to spark more discussion on the issue.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has gone so far as to threaten to boycott the 2013 summit unless Sri Lanka addresses the concerns properly.
After the close of the Perth summit on Sunday, Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris appeared before the media to spruik his country's summit and combat the human rights allegations.
"This is all propaganda against the government of Sri Lanka," he said.
"There is really strong propaganda in this country (Australia) and several other countries.
"But the reality of the situation is this: Sri Lanka in all fairness has to be given credit for its legitimate accomplishments."
Professor Peiris said Sri Lanka had already begun preparing for the CHOGM and there was no push on within the Commonwealth to change locations.
"As far as we are concerned it is final, it is irrevocable," he said.
"It was never the subject of any dispute during these proceedings."
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