Sri Lanka formally assumed the chair of the 53-member Commonwealth as the CHOGM began here Friday.

 

 The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the most important meeting of the grouping, got underway at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Xinhua reported.

 

 Sri Lanka will chair the Commonwealth till the end of 2014 when it will be handed over to Mauritius.