Bid Achieved Global Platform for Sri Lanka

Bid Achieved Global Platform for Sri Lanka

Bidding for the 2018 Commonwealth Games has delivered huge benefits for Hambantota and for the whole nation of Sri Lanka, the co-chair of the bid said today.

“The bid was a tremendous platform for us to promote Sri Lanka to more than 70 countries across the world and to international media,” Ajith Nivard Cabraal explained, “it has created interest in everything we do from economic and social development to tourism and sport.”

The Hambantota 2018 Bid received universal praise from Commonwealth nations including the rival bidders Gold Coast,

President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Mike Fennell told international media that the Sri Lankan bid was exceptionally strong and had demonstrated that the nation can deliver world class events on a global scale

“Everyone agrees Hambantota was a great bid, presented with determination, professionalism and dignity. Everyone connected with the bid conducted themselves with great credit and high ethical standards.”

Leader of the Australian bid Mark Stockwell also praised the bid for pushing them right to the wire: “We were hugely impressed, it was a fantastic bid, ” he said.

Mr Cabraal today outlined key benefits to Sri Lanka of the bid:

“Our message has reached all the English speaking nations of the world, particularly key markets such as Australia. This will help provide a boost to foreign direct investment and has showcased just what we can do if we pull together as a nation.

“Our story will boost tourism because images of our culture, history, stunning scenery and beaches and the friendliness of our people has been shown around the world.

“But perhaps most importantly, our reputation has been enhanced because we have demonstrated our determination to build, further reconcile and unify our nation with for example a massive investment programme in infra-structure and new projects over the next five years.

“I am absolutely certain that by putting forward such a credible bid we have increased our chances of attracting sporting and other international events to Sri Lanka and indeed we already have done so with the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit coming to Sri Lanka in two year’s time.

“I thank everyone in Sri Lanka and our partners who have helped us deliver a bid we can all be proud of, “ he said

For more information on Hambantota 2018 visit: www.hambantota2018.co

ENDS

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