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.
Ready by 2016
Fast developing Hambantota is fully ready to offer the best quality for the commonwealth games competition and overcome even the toughest challenges on the run- up to Commonwealth Games in 2018. Hambantota has already got assurances from many sponsors and supporting nations endorsing our bid and has full confidence in delivering everything that is required by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), whether it is providing sports facilities, sponsorships, media facilities and all the best quality facilities required by commonwealth sports men and women.
Sri Lanka has begun to set out for the socio-economic development at a greater pace with deeper confidence. The peace and stable political climate, needless to say, acts as a catalyst for unhindered growth. The ambitious development projects of the government all aim to make Sri Lanka the centre of excellence in Asia. The journey to Commonwealth Games in 2018 will, therefore, be full of exciting developments. The pinnacle of glory will no doubt be playing host to the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Hambantota
Drawing up a master plan for the development of Hambantota district, the government started mobilizing resources to accelerate the project. And Hambantota started to rise against all the odds. In the wake of the development drive, more and more employment opportunities are created, and living standards of the people improved. The international harbour in Hambantota and the international airport in Mattala are the biggest development projects underway at the moment. Already, Hambantota is beginning to attract plenty of both local and foreign investment. At the current pace of development, by 2018, Hambantota will become a vibrant commercial hub. Against this background, Hambantota`s bid to host Commonwealth Games in 2018 is very likely to be accepted.
Hambantota International Sports Hub (HISH)
In early 2009, Namal Rajapaksa, Chairman, 'Tharunnyata Hetak Foundation' and now Member of Parliament for Hambantota District, put forward the idea of creating a sports village in Hambantota alongside other major infrastructure developments that were taking place. The Hambantota International Sports Hub (HiSH) will consist of the following sports utilities:
- Sports Business Enterprise Park
- Athletics Stadium
- Warm Weather Training Facility
- Cycling Development Centre
- IT Park
- Hockey Centre
- 18 Hole Golf course
- National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship
- International Centre for Tourism
- Squash Centre
- Aquatics Centre
- Rugby & Football Development facilities
- Multi Sports Halls
- State-of-the-art Media centres
These facilities, no doubt, will be the best in the world of sports. All the sportspersons participating in the Games will find it tailor-made to suit their specific sporting requirements. This sports complex will be instrumental for Hambantota in winning the bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018. The international Cricket Stadium in Hambantota is nearing completion and will host the semi-final of World Cup. This too is a splendid opportunity for Hambantota to build an international reputation and strengthen Hambantota`s chances of winning the bid to host Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Infrastructure Development
The infrastructure development in the region of Hambantota is in full swing. The power grids are being extended and the road network improved. Communication infrastructure is being rapidly developed. Also, there are programmes to develop important sectors such as Health and Education. This infrastructure development also is an important part of the journey towards 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Development of Accommodation facilities
Reputed entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry are investing substantially in hotels and resorts in Hambantota. By 2016, Hambantota will boast a cluster of world-class hotels and resorts providing superior catering services and accommodation facilities hallmarked by the fabled Sri Lankan hospitality. In the Southern coastal strip, the tourists will be delighted to find the sandy beaches lapped by turquoise blue waters and fringed with coconut trees. Staying in Hambantota will be an exhilarating experience for them, adding to their delight at watching the Commonwealth Games.
Tailor-made for Commonwealth Games
The simultaneous development of residential facilities, infrastructure, economic nerve centres and world-class sports-utilities will make Hambantota the ideal host city for Commonwealth Games in 2018. At the current pace of development, by 2018, Hambantota will be one of the most developed cities in Asia. For sure, it will savour the glory of hosting Commonwealth Games in 2018.
A Futuristic City
There are plans and programmes - some being weighed and others being already implemented - to make Hambantota a Futuristic City by 2018 or even before that. And Commonwealth Games 2018 will be held in a green city abounding with skyscrapers, expressways, sophisticated sports facilities, IT parks, and superior accommodation facilities. Today, as a matter of fact, in Hambantota, future is already being created!
News and Events
Shangri-La Invests in a 7-Star Hotel Complex in Sri Lanka
Hong Kong- based a Shangri-La hotel which has already made the arrangements for a huge investment of a 7- Star hotel complex in the heart of Sri Lanka`s commercial capital has looked at two more sites including one near a ` wild life reserve in southern Sri Lanka to site its second proposed hotel.
Read more...
Articles
Hambantota 2018 Commonwealth Games : Impressions of a foreign friend
With regard to Hambantota 2018 legacy plan, considering all what has been carried out so far and what will certainly be done in the months ahead, we selected seven letters to summarize implication and motivation of Sri Lankan authorities and Hambantota 2018 bid committee. Those seven letters are P.R.A.C.H.A.L. seven letters like the seven years ahead the d date. Those letters, according to us, represent Hambantota 2018 legacy plan and Sri Lankans’ motivation to host 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Read more...
