Hambantota 2018 CWG Bid Promise to be Ready by 2016

The Sri Lankan city of Hambantota, bidding to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, claimed yesterday, February 27, that all the facilities needed to host the event, including the venues and infrastructure, would be built and finished nearly two years ahead of schedule if their bid is successful.

Ajith Nivard Cabraal, the co-chairman of Hambantota 2018 and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, made the bold claim, stating: “We are making 2016 a byword for our Hambantota 2018 bid.

“Our commitment to all CGAs (Commonwealth Games Associations) is that all of the venues and the entire infrastructure for the Games will be completed by December 2016.

“This means that we can use 2017 for all the test events throughout the venues, including the Games Village.”

Cabraal’s pledge was made in an attempt to allay fears that if the the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) choose Hambantota, ahead of only rivals Gold Coast, they face the prospect of similar problems that overshadowed the build-up to last year’s event in New Delhi.

The promise to create a compact “Sports City” has been made by Sri Lankan Officials. They revealed that the construction will be developed alongside existing major infrastructure developments, including the new sea port and second international airport, with work already underway, as well as a high-capacity public transport system and new road network.

The Sri Lankan Government are convinced that the promise can be a vote winner when the CGF meets at its annual meeting in St Kitts and Nevis on November 11 to choose the host city.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister and the co-chairman of Hambantota 2018, stated: “Sports City will be instrumental for Hambantota in winning the bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

“All the athletes participating in the Games will find it tailor-made to suit their specific sporting requirements.

“They will relish the opportunity to compete in venues full to capacity with spectators, with a great atmosphere and in facilities that exceed their expectations and enable them to strive for personal best performances and medals.”