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No regrets over decision says Kadir
Former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said yesterday that he had no regrets in contesting the post of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat saying he came forward on behalf of the African nations that had a "real problem" within the 52-nation grouping.

Mr. Kadirgamar received 11 votes to incumbent Don McKinnon's 41 votes in the voting that took place at the start of the Commonwealth heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) now in progress in Abuja, Nigeria.

He said that he was not absolutely certain who voted for him because the voting was by secret ballot, but a "very sound possibility" pointed to India, Bangladesh, Maldives and at least seven African states plus Sri Lanka voting against McKinnon.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times ("visit Lakshman Kadirgamar's interview"), Mr. Kadirgamar said that his nine-day campaign was probably too short and conceded that much of the support that was promised did not ultimately materialise.
He thanked India and South Africa in particular for their support.

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