Hambantota, the Candidate City for Commonwealth Games in 2018

Government Support

There is comprehensive support across all tiers of the Government, including support from the main Opposition Party in Sri Lanka, with all working together to bring about the joint vision of staging the Games.

The Hambantota 2018 Games Bid Committee (BC), appointed by His Excellency (HE) the President of Sri Lanka, has strong leadership under the co-Chairmanship of the Minister of Sports and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The BC comprises representation from the Sri Lankan Commonwealth Games Association (CGA)/ the National Olympic Committee (NOC), the Hambantota District Secretariat, relevant government officials and leading figures from the private sector. The appointment of the BC by HE the President demonstrates his absolute commitment and support to the bid and the importance placed on bringing the Games to Sri Lanka.

The support provided by the public constitutes binding obligations as they are provided under the authority of the legislation which governs them and as such will ensure the effective planning and preparation for the Games. The masterplan and extensive infrastructure development of the District is being funded by the Government as part of the post-tsunami regeneration and economic development programme.

The master planning for the District is ‘at one’ with the masterplanning for the Games. Budgets have been ring-fenced to ensure delivery of developments that will facilitate delivery of the Games. This demonstrates the level of financial commitment and Government support behind the bid. The OC budget and funding for the Games is to be provided by the CWG Hambantota 2018 Pvt Ltd. The CWG Hambantota 2018 Pvt Ltd will ensure timely completion and delivery of all ongoing and future infrastructure projects so that the Games are delivered in the most professional manner.

If any legislation needs to be introduced to ensure that all requirements of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in the Candidate City Manual and Host City Contract are complied with, the Ministry of Sports will propose such laws to be passed by Parliament. The Government has reinforced its commitment to contribute to all aspects of the successful hosting of the Games should anything unforeseen arise resulting in other obligated institutions or bodies not fulfilling the requirements.

Binding guarantees have been obtained from relevant public officials from all tiers of government, demonstrating a united commitment towards hosting successful Games. These include guarantees from the Government Agent for Hambantota (District Secretary), the Divisional Secretary of Suriyawewa, the Chief Minister of the Southern Province, the Secretary to HE President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers of all relevant stakeholder departments and the Local Government bodies involved as referenced in Q2.01. The Guarantees include the financing and construction of the Games Park, as well as the post-Games operation of the venues within the Games Park (and what will become Sports City in legacy mode) and the development of supporting infrastructure across the Southern Province and rest of Sri Lanka.

There are a number of prominent public figures providing leadership and support to the bid, the most prominent being His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is the inspiration behind the bid. Other key public figures supporting the bid included. Hon Dissanayake Jayaratne, Prime Minister Hon Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Sports, Hemasiri Fernando, President of the Sri Lankan CGA and NOC. Numerous other prominent figures across both the public and private sector are closely involved in supporting the bid.