Debate on 17 October: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka

This Library Note provides background reading for the debate to be held on 17 October:

“the future of the Commonwealth, in light of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka in November”.

The Note provides a brief overview of the origins and structure of the Commonwealth, before turning to recent developments and proposals for reform, including the recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2011. The Note also examines recent comment and criticism of the decision to hold the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka.