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.
Unique Investment opportunities
President Mahinda Rajapakse said on June 04 that "Sri Lanka's investment policy is vibrant, the package is enticing and exciting," and noted that foreign investors "would do well to join us in our forward march."
Addressing the CNBC-IIFA Business Forum in Colombo, President said, "I earnestly invite you to do so." The scope is immense: from infrastructure, to agri-business, to manufacturing and to a range of services." "You will also find that our country offers a rare package of skills, capacity, and a willingness to learn and adapt."
President also said, “We are targeting economic development to reach every citizen of our country. In that regard, let me remind all of you that the new areas and sectors we have opened out since the end of the conflict, offer new opportunities, which, we are sure, local and foreign investors would find very attractive and interesting.”
Sri Lanka’s infrastructure is being developed at a pace that we have never experienced before: construction of ports, airports, highways and flyovers, thermal and alternative energy power plants, water and irrigation projects, telecommunication projects, tourism sector projects, fishery harbours and railways are under way.
Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming an attractive place for foreign direct investments (FDI) and the situation might improve further in the near future with the opportunities available in the north and east as well as in Hambantota – the 2018 commonwealth Games Candidate City.
The business opportunities in Hambantota district from the project will definitely trickle down to the masses with direct and indirect employment opportunities being created.
Warehousing and offshore services too would create wealth in the area. The operation of an LP gas terminal for the first time in the country will create two tiers of pricing with the Southerners expected to receive LP gas at reduced prices due to low taxes and overheads.
The bunkering facility and the Tank Farm project too have commenced bringing more benefits to the country. The bunkering facility will comprise 14 tanks. Eight tanks will be used to provide oil for ships and aviation fuel while three will be used to store LP gas.
In a few years, Hambantota district per capita income is expected to be on par with the districts in the Western Province, which will be quite an achievement.
The US$ 600 million funds needed to launch the second project to be completed in 2014 too are expected to be raised again with Chinese assistance. Under the third phase of development a dockyard too will be constructed.
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