Hambantota's Commonwealth Games Bid: Evaluation Committee Release Positive Statement

Strategic Insights -

The evaluation committee's four-day inspection of Hambantota's Commonwealth Games bid has come to an end, with the team releasing a carefully worded statement expressing their impression with Sri Lanka's "vision". The positive statement has put Hambantota back on equal terms with the Gold Coast, which received a glowing appraisal after the commission's visit last week. However, the success of the inspection was marred by the sacking of the country's cricket board amidst allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Bid officials had highlighted the successful staging of the Cricket World Cup earlier this year as proof that Sri Lanka could deliver a successful Commonwealth Games.

Key Takeaways:

  • The evaluation committee released a positive statement on Hambantota's Commonwealth Games bid, expressing their impression with Sri Lanka's "vision".
  • The positive statement has put Hambantota back on equal terms with the Gold Coast.
  • The sacking of the country's cricket board amidst allegations of corruption and mismanagement has marred the success of the inspection.
  • Bid officials had highlighted the successful staging of the Cricket World Cup earlier this year as proof that Sri Lanka could deliver a successful Commonwealth Games.
  • The construction of the stadium at Hambantota blew out, leaving the cricket body with massive debt.
  • The evaluation team was unable to stay in the potential host city due to lack of infrastructure.
  • Chairwoman Louise Martin stated that the proposal is "an exciting one" and that the leadership shown by the national and district governments is impressive.

Statistics:

  • The evaluation committee has 5 members, led by Chairwoman Louise Martin.
  • The Commission will release its report on the two bid cities by October 11.
  • The vote at the Federations General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis will take place on November 11.

Sources:

  • Olympic and Commonwealth games website, insidethegames
  • The evaluation committee's statement
  • Federations General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis