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.
Telecommunication
The telecommunications industry has been the fastest growing sector of Sri Lanka’s economy over the past decade – it is now a GBP 500 million industry contributing almost 2% directly and some 5% indirectly to national output.
The connected Commonwealth Games Park will have free wireless throughout it. A large pool of experienced local Information and Communications Technology professionals to support Games planning and delivery.
The Games technology infrastructure will be developed based on the following key facilities:
- Fibre Network to deliver high speed DSL/ADSL services
- 2G, 3G, WiMAX and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks to deliver wireless broadband connectivity
- Provision within the TRC Tower Hotel to facilitate the digital terrestrial broadcasting and trunk radio transmission
- International connectivity via the optical fibre submarine Cable Landing Station and alternatively, via Satellite Earth Stations.
The District is currently served by all five cellular mobile operators, four of which have state of the art high speed 3G capabilities.
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium and the area designated for the proposed new competition and non-competition venues are already extensively covered by the 2G and 3G services of these mobile operators.
Since mobile technologies are improving at a rapid pace, advanced 4G technologies such as LTE will be available in the District in the very near future. With the current developments beginning to emerge, all operators are dedicated to service this important and lucrative area and offer extensive capacity and coverage including all access routes in and around the District.
Sri Lanka has the reputation of being South Asia’s telecommunications pioneer and was the first country in the region to introduce 2G and 3G mobile telecommunication services. As a result of this advanced approach, Sri Lankan mobile operators had the capability of launching High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) services at a very early stage. In fact, Sri Lanka was the seventh country in the world to introduce such high speed mobile broadband services. As a result, there is a high degree of confidence that the deployment of LTE networks will take place in the near future and consequently, that the majority of the mobile subscribers across the country will be able to utilise high speed 4G services.
The development of a high speed national fibre backbone network is a high priority Government project for 2011. This network will facilitate the requirements of high speed connectivity throughout the country, including the massive development projects currently taking place in the southern part of Sri Lanka.
The development cost of this or any additional infrastructure will not be passed onto the Hambantota 2018 Organising Committee (the OC). The OC will be required to pay the usage charges as per the TRCSL approved tariffs. However, any development cost will be borne by either the Government or by the individual operators.
News and Events
Sri Lankan Airlines pledge its support to Hambantota 2018 CWG bid
Sri Lankan Airlines, Sri Lanka`s premier international aviation service, have extended its wholehearted support to Hambantota2018 Commonwealth Games bid. Sri Lankan Airlines have pledged to carry Hambantota 2018 Commonwealth Games bid logo in all their flights as part of an international campaign to boost the Hambantota2018 brand. As a global brand the logo provides relevant meaning and experience to people across multiple societies.
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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.
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