Sri Lanka to use Commonwealth Games bid as catalyst for life-changing development

Sri Lanka will continue the large-scale investment set-out in its 'life-changing' Hambantota 2018 bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, despite losing out to the Gold Coast in Saturday's vote.

Leaders from the Hambantota 2018 bid congratulated the Gold Coast for winning a "truly sporting contest" and wished them "every success for 2018" after what the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had called one of the most exciting bidding contests in its history.

Hambantota 2018 was unable to tip the balance in its favour but for the unified nation and its 20 million people the process of bidding for the Games itself was of great significance.

On hearing the decision Hambantota 2018 Organising Committee Co-Chair Ajith Nivard Cabraal stated "it is disappointing of course that we will not see a Hambantota Games in 2018. But we have said all along that bidding for these prestigious Games is a key part of an exciting and progressive journey in Sri Lanka.

"Together we have embarked on a new era and we will make good our promise to rejuvenate the region regardless of this outcome. We are talking about something transformational; something that will help build a better tomorrow for all our people."

Cabraal said that their plans for Hambantota had been described by the CGF as "visionary, exciting and unique" and a blueprint for other emerging and developing Commonwealth nations to follow.

The plans will still see Hambantota become one of five metro cities in Sri Lanka - a strategic hub for economic development, tourism growth and regeneration initiatives. It will be home to a thriving international business and investment centre with a focus on education and sport - the latter being one of the identified growth drivers for the country.

The city's population is forecast to reach 1.2 million by 2018, with some eight million living within 2.5 hours drive.

Sri Lanka's population of 20 million had been hoping for a positive decision as the news broke following an electronic vote on the penultimate day of the CGF General Assembly.

The hosting announcement was made by outgoing CGF President Mike Fennell in his last official act in the role.

Fennell had previously said that he felt very happy that the Commonwealth Games had reached a stage where it could attract "two superb bids like these."

For more information go to www.hambantota2018.com

Image: Artist's impression of Hambantota's planned Games venues and athletes village.