Sri Lanka disappointed after losing Hambantota bid
November 12th, 2011 - 5:55 pm ICT by IANSColombo, Nov 12 (IANS) Sri Lanka Saturday expressed disappointment after losing its bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the southern port city of Hambantota.
Sri Lanka lost the bid to Australia’s Gold Coast Friday night when a vote was taken among Commonwealth members in the Caribbean island of St Kitts.
The Sri Lankan government said that it will continue the large-scale investment set out in its “life-changing” Hambantota 2018 bid to host Games, despite losing out, Xinhua reported.
Hambantota 2018 bid leaders congratulated Gold Coast for winning a “truly sporting contest” and wished them “every success for 2018″.
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor and leader of the Hambantota 2018 bid team Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that the bidding for the prestigious Games was a key part of an exciting and progressive journey in the country.
Cabraal said Hambantota will still become one of five metros in Sri Lanka - a strategic hub for economic development, tourism growth and regeneration initiatives.
Hambantota was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and is now undergoing a massive redevelopment drive. This includes a new seaport, airport, highways, sports venues and other facilities, most of which were to be completed in time for the 2018 Games.
Hambantota had spent over $2.3 million on public relations for the Games bid.
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- Sri Lanka one gold behind leader India in South Asian Beach Games - Oct 13, 2011
- India top medals tally in South Asian Beach Games - Oct 14, 2011
- Australia bids for 2018 Commonwealth Games - Mar 31, 2010
Tags: caribbean island, central bank governor, commonwealth games, commonwealth members, gold coast, hambantota sri lanka, highways, host games, indian ocean tsunami, massive redevelopment, metros, prestigious games, regeneration initiatives, s central, scale investment, sports venues, sri lankan government, st kitts, tourism growth, xinhua