The talks on the issue came at the 58th session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) here but there were deep divisions in the grouping over the question.
"There was a discussion on the topic," Sri Lankan deputy speaker Chandima Weerakkody said.
Sri Lankan officials said a majority of countries opposed the idea of a commissioner for democracy, rule of law and human rights.
There was stiff opposition from India to the idea.
Canada, UK, Australia and Sri Lanka's opposition legislators from the main opposition UNP and the main Tamil party had backed the move.
However, Sri Lanka's official position was that the spirit of Commonwealth should not be allowed to dissipate with such controversial moves.
Sri Lanka, which will host the next heads of government meeting of the Commonwealth in November 2013, seeks economic issues to take precedence at CHOGM.
Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma told reporters earlier today that the Sri Lankan government aims for an economic-orientated discussion at CHOGM with focus on non-urban communities as participants of national growth and development.
"The idea will resonate well within the Commonwealth," he said.
