DHAKA: Commonwealth summit is set to open in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, amid continuing scrutiny of the government`s human rights record.

On Thursday Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa rejected criticism of his government`s actions during the campaign which defeated Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009.

Mr Rajapaksa is due to chair the Commonwealth for the next two years.

The leaders of India, Mauritius and Canada have boycotted the summit.

Prince Charles will open the summit, for the first time representing his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as head of the Commonwealth.

British Prime Minister David Cameron is attending the summit but said he would raise "tough questions".

Correspondents say the government had hoped the three-day event would showcase Sri Lanka`s post-war revival, but instead it is turning into a PR disaster.

Source: BBC
BDST: 1019 HRS, NOV 15, 2103
GR/GCFP