Hambantota, the Candidate City for Commonwealth Games in 2018

Bid Highlights

• A motivation to host a Commonwealth Games that is intrinsically linked with plans for the long term development of the District of Hambantota and the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.
• All planned competition venues will be developed by 2016 allowing a comprehensive test event programme,including the 2016 South Asian Games.
• Special 'visa on arrival' arrangements will be in place during the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
• A Government-led project, with a strong financial commitment, fully supported by Guarantees.

Location

The District of Hambantota (the District), in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, is particularly rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. It stretches across 150km of prime Sri Lankan coastline and comprises an area of 2,600km². The area is made up, almost entirely, of undulating plains plus heritage site, ancient cities and an abundance of wildlife. The local area includes:

• 568km² of protected wildlife conservation habitat
• 223km² of designated agricultural land
• 43 cultural heritage sites
• 7 forest conservation areas
• 215km² of inland water

Great history

Hambantota has many a natural location, historical sites, ruins and cultural heritage enjoyed by both local and foreign tourists alike. Hambantota proudly claims a history spanning over twenty-two centuries. Hambantota was known as the "Magama Kingdom" during the heyday of Sri Lanka. Tissamaharama was a classic city during this period. Magama kindom built majestic second century Viharas and Dagabas such as Yatala, Sandagiri and Tissa which, even today, are very famous for their architectural design and outstanding sculpture.

Bio Diversity

Hambantota is a region gifted with rich wildlife resources. Yala, and Bundala national parks located in the South East boarder are conserved as wild life Parks. Kumana, Kalametiya are among the most accessible bird sanctuaries located in the district. In these national parks, Sri Lankan elephants can be found along with deer, wild boar, several species of monkeys, wild buffalo, peacocks, crocodiles, leopards and indigenous and migratory birds of all varieties.

Golden Beaches

Hambantota district has beautiful golden sandy beach with brilliant sunshine all year round. The south and south east coasts offer excellent underwater coral exploration sites.

Places of tourist attractions

The beaches, wildlife, historical land marks, places of religious importance occupy a leading place among the various places to visit in Sri Lanka. One can drive from Hambantota dry-zone to Chilly hill country in just a couple of hours.

Places of religious importance

Kataragama is an important place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans of all religions, so in a way, it fosters ethnic and religious harmony. Also, Kirivehera dagoba in Kataragama is a very sacred place for Buddhists all over the world as it was visited by Lord Buddha. Situlpawwa is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest second century sites of Buddhist scholarship. With a history dating back to over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in Hambantota district. Hambantota is not merely a historically important district but has diverse attractions, heritage, art, culture and traditions which no other city in the world can match.