Sports to be developed for 2018 Commonwealth Games

Anuradha ABEYSEKARA

Sports equipment was distributed among 150 Divisional Secretariats at the Sports Development Department auditorium yesterday.

The event was organized according to a concept of the Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, with the aim to develop sports in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, 2018.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sports Minister Aluthgamage revealed that there will be a great possibility for Sri Lanka to be the host country of the next Commonwealth Games and he along with his Ministry are working hard to grab this golden opportunity for our country.

"We have selected 11 sports to be represented at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Ministry officials are jointly working with the respective local sports federations to develop sports on par with rest of the Commonwealth countries," Aluthgamage said.

"The South Asian Beach Sports Festival is scheduled to be conducted in Sri Lanka for the first time during August, 2011. Hambantota and Arugam Bay would be the venues for the mega event.

A large number of foreigners will participate at the event and there will be a boost for the Sports tourism in the country.

Our aim is to develop a Sports Economy through a Sports Culture and help the country's overall development," said the Minister.

Several Ministers, MPs and Sports Ministry officials were present at the ceremony.