We used our loudest voice, raising our serious concerns about three issues: lack of accountability, lack of reconciliation, and a growing authoritarian trend. In my discussions with my colleagues, we talked about how we could leverage Sri Lanka's hosting the Commonwealth in two years to try to encourage progress in those three areas.
Canada also spoke strongly on the issue of human rights for gays and lesbians. It still is a significant concern that in 41 of the Commonwealth countries there is criminalization of homosexuality. We find that deeply concerning, and we'll continue to speak on that and on gender equality, religious freedom, and violence against women. Sometimes it can be rather uncomfortable to raise some of these issues. Some people would rather we didn't, but we have an important responsibility to do so.