SL fit to host Commonwealth Games

18 May 2011 07:24 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

By Olindhi Jayasundere

Sri Lanka’s Olympic Committee 2018 which hopes to host the Commonwealth Games in Hambantota in 2018 today quashed speculation on Sri Lanka’s illegibility to host the games stating that Sri Lanka fulfilled all requirements necessary.

The committee’s CEO, Nalin Attygalle said Sri Lanka should be given the opportunity to host the games. He said Hambantota was well qualified to host the games and that the heavy financial investment involved will be primarily covered by foreign investors and over 50 private sector firms who are already involved in the organizing process.

Sri Lanka’s Hambantota made its bid to host the games with Australia’s Gold Coast last week. Members of the Commonwealth Games Federation are expected to visit Hambantota next month for evaluations and interviews with the Sri Lankan Olympic Committee to assess the country’s competence to host the games. The final decision on which country will host the event will be decided by the federation in November this year.

He said that the country’s Rs. 4 billion annual defense expenditure during the war could be diverted to development projects to enhance the country’s image. “Hambantota qualifies more than any other region in the country as it has a sea port, air port, and good road infrastructure,” he said.

He also said no other region in the country would qualify to host the event as there is no stadium big enough for the purpose. He said hundreds of families would have to be evacuated if the event was to be held in Colombo where he said the population was too large. (Daily Mirror online)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 13

AJ-DXB Wednesday, 18 May 2011 07:47 AM

Why GOSL is trying only to develop the South? Why not develop the North or the East using such oppotunities?

1shot Wednesday, 18 May 2011 07:52 AM

how will d stadiums be maintained in such a dry region?
it might b another white elephant project if d green light is given.

shehan jayawardene Wednesday, 18 May 2011 07:53 AM

This is another asschariya goondoo. Commonwealth Games will never be held in a country accused of war crimes.

Lal Wednesday, 18 May 2011 07:59 AM

How about diverting the the country’s Rs. 4 billion annual defense expenditure during the war to give relief to the people who sacrificed much siliently "for the sake of the war".

Amare Wednesday, 18 May 2011 08:28 AM

At the end of the games the minister will declare a loss as he did at the end of world cup.

Dinithi Wednesday, 18 May 2011 11:15 AM

Development projects from the diverted defence expensiture will benefit all people.

Riyazi-Dorking Wednesday, 18 May 2011 12:19 PM

We don`t have an indoor cycle track....!! Kandy is the best place to build and host cycling events......!!!!

modaya Wednesday, 18 May 2011 12:29 PM

if thats the case why cost living still so high after war? what happend to world cup money? what happened to all touerist?
you can't keep commonwealth in North east as they need new visa

Banda Wednesday, 18 May 2011 12:49 PM

We will be proud if we are illegible to host the commonwealth games.

sam Wednesday, 18 May 2011 12:49 PM

With so much poverty in Sri Lanka, why not use the money for better use. Let Australia host it as they have both the money and the means to do so. Sri Lanka on the other hand has none

Peter.Punchihewa Thursday, 19 May 2011 03:03 AM

Improve the living standards of the middle,low & no income citizens of SL,and damn the Commonwealth games.

marcus fernando Thursday, 19 May 2011 05:39 AM

cost of living will go up by a another 200%. if the games are held here.

willows Thursday, 19 May 2011 08:57 AM

poor will become more poor and the rich will become more richer - end result???

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

SL fit to host Commonwealth Games

Comments - 13

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand