Cabraal says “cautiously optimistic”

Deepal V. Perera reporting from St. Kitts

Hambantota Bid Co-Chairman Ajith N. Cabraal is cautiously optimistic that delegates of the Commonwealth Games Federation annual assembly will vote through Sri Lanka to host 2018 contest in Hambantota.

Hambantota Bid Co-Chairman Ajith N. Cabraal with CEO Nalin Attygalle at a briefing. Pic by Deepal V Perera

He said that Sri Lanka being an emerging nation in the Commonwealth conclave will be greatly benefitted in hosting the games in 2018.  

“Sri Lanka hosting games will boost the rest of the smaller countries in the Commonwealth and they can too brand their county to move forward,” Cabraal told the Daily FT.

Responding to a question  on how much money was spent on the bidding process and that Sri  Lanka  had surpassed  the amount spent by  other candidate city Gold Coast of Australia, Cabraal said that  he did not know figures for Gold Coast but reiterated that being an international event,  the bidding process should be at an international level.

“I don’t know how much money they have spent but you have to take in to mind that this is an international bid and we have to meet every aspect in the bidding process.  Like you saw it in our presentation at our reception, we did our planning in Sri Lanka. Every step, starting from dancers to   our presentation had been carefully planned and practices. By doing so we have shown the world our capacity, that we also can do,” he said.

In response to criticism Sri Lanka Army was now in the possession of the Hambantota Cricket stadium, Co Cabraal denied that Army in the possession of the stadium but managing its maintenance.

“Army is very equipped with every aspect of professionals and they have shown their merits in their work. Because of this, reason Army is entrusted to maintain the stadium and it is good to maintain a stadium than engage in a war,” he added.

Cabraal also said that irrespective of the games bids Sri Lanka will go ahead with the US$ 25 billion long term nationwide development plan and that some projects are in the conclusion stage.

“We will be completing the work on building the international airport in Hambantota by the year 2011 and we are expecting to commence commercial flights by the year 2013.” He said.

Currently, a 125 member delegation team comprising traditional dancers, journalists, business leaders and chefs are in St. Kitts for the bidding process.  

According to Common wealth Games Observers, this is the first time in the games history two nations are involved in fierce competition in promotion their countries to attract votes from the delegates.