Magnificient Hambantota
Hambantota is a vast city located in 240 km South East of Colombo. It has been a strategic location in the the country. Hambantota district covers 2,622 sq. km land area accounting for over six per cent of Sri Lanka's land mass.
Bio Diversity
Hanbantota is a region gifted with rich wildlife resources. Yala, and Bundala national parks located in the South East boarder are conserved as wild life Parks. Kumana, Kalametiya are among the most accessible bird sanctuaries located in the district. In these national parks, Sri Lankan elephants can be found along with deer, wild boar, several species of monkeys, wild buffalo, peacocks, crocodiles, leopards and indigenous and migratory birds of all varieties.
Golden Beaches
Hambantota district has beautiful golden sandy beach with brilliant sunshine all year round. The south and south east coasts offer excellent underwater coral exploration sites.
Places of tourist attractions
The beaches, wildlife, historical land marks, places of religious importance occupy a leading place among the various places to visit in Sri Lanka. One can drive from Hambantota dry-zone to Chilly hill country in just a couple of hours.
Great history
Hambantota has many a natural location, historical sites, ruins and cultural heritage enjoyed by both local and foreign tourists alike.
Hambantota proudly claims a history spanning over twenty-two centuries. Hambantota was known as the "Magama Kingdom" during the heyday of Sri Lanka. Tissamaharama was a classic city during this period. Magama kindom built majestic second century Viharas and Dagabas such as Yatala, Sandagiri and Tissa which, even today, are very famous for their architectural design and outstanding sculpture.
Places of religious importance
Kataragama is an important place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans of all religions, so in a way, it fosters ethnic and religious harmony. Also, Kirivehera dagoba in Kataragama is a very sacred place for Buddhists all over the world as it was visited by Lord Buddha. Situlpawwa is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest second century sites of Buddhist scholarship. With a history dating back to over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in Hambantota district.
Mulkirigala rock temple is another important tourist attraction with a cave complex and an impressive stone stairway over six hundred steps. Katuwana is yet another fascinating tourist site which has a fort built by the Dutch nearly four centuries ago. Hambantota is not merely a historically important district but has diverse attractions, heritage, art, culture and traditions which no other city in the world can match.
Skilled & literate labour force
People in Hambantota have been living on agriculture, fisheries, sugar-cane and salt industry.Today, Hambantota district has an intelligent, highly-skilled and industrious work force in diverse industries and sectors including IT and other emerging technologies. Over 40% of the labour force is employed in agriculture. Almost 92% of the population in Hambantota district is literate.
International Trading Hub
For centuries, Hambantota has been a strategic trading and sea transport centre between the Middle East and Far East. Currently, the public and private sectors play a vital role by investing in key development areas such as, energy, telecommunication, construction and transport.
Hambantota is located in a most strategic location as a regional trading hub that links all international trading, transportation, etc.
Hambantota International Convention Centre (HICC)
Located in Siribopura, Hambantota, the project started in 2006 with Korean aid with the the objective of 'promoting balanced and comprehensive regional development through this Centre in Hambantota.' It has direct access to the southern expressway between capital Colombo and the other regions.
The current expansion of convention facilities in Colombo will certainly help but that will not meet the need to develop other mega cities. The decision to have facilities elsewhere is timely with HICC being the first purpose- built, state-of-the-art convention centre outside Colombo.
Hambantota International Seaport
The first phase of Hambantota harbour is nearing completion now. This is expected to be one of the three major habours of Sri Lanka and will attract a considerable percentage of 36,000 ships that pass Hambantota today and currently divert to other regional ports for their supplies spending additional money and time. The first phase of the habour will be completed in December 2010.
International Airport Hambantota
Hambantota International Airport is the second international airport of Sri Lanka where even the largest aircraft can land in. It will also attract tourists and business people to Hambantota, the second capital city of Sri Lanka. Further, the South of Sri Lanka will get two more air ports soon.
The airport, estimated to cost US$ $210 million, will cover an area of 2,000 hectares. The new airport will accommodate landing of even the largest aircraft. These planned development projects will change the district enormously, opening opportunities for many sectors and investors. Hambantota airport will be one of the green airports in the world and will commence its commercial operations in 2013.
IT Park
A new state-of-the-art IT park will be constructed in Hambantota with the private sector participation. Hambantota IT Park will be equipped with all the modern facilities and services required by a modern city, promoting Information Technology, IT Enabled Services, Business Process Outsourcing and other knowledge-based industries in the country.
International Cricket grounds
Sri Lanka will co-host 2011 cricket World Cup-semi finals with the introduction of a new cricket stadium in Hambantota. Hambantota Cricket stadium with its up-to-date amenities will be added to the ICC`s list of main cricket venues in the world.
Sports University
Government has a solid plan to develop sports and bring them to professional levels. Hambantota master plan consists of setting up a sports university as well as improving various sports to professional levels so that more young persons will be attracted to the field of sports. The initial planning for the sports University has already begun and soon the construction will commence and it will be ready well before the commonwealth Games 2018.
Hotels and tourism developments
With the increase in tourist arrival to the Hamabantota region, a large number of hotel will come up in the region of Hambantota in the near future. Top hotel brands have already given approval to start construction. Hotel currently operating in the region are being upgraded.
Sri Lanka Tourism now coming under Ministry of Economic Development has a vision for the development of south coast tourism-a major tourism development scheme with over one thousand of hotel rooms, public areas, recreation spaces, parking areas, staff quarters, and so on.
Investment promotional Zones
The high end apparel industries are based at Bata-atha, Mirijjawila, and Beliatta. Export Processing Zones yield many opportunities for investments. Hambantota salt industry, which produces 30% of the total salt production of the country, is the major industrial activity in the district and also one of the oldest in the country. The government has already implemented its plans to develop Hamabantota district as business friendly city and actively pursues the government policies on economic liberalization with emphasis on private sector investment.
The investment promotion zone is part of the government plan to develop Hambantota as an economic centre. Government has allocated 200 hectares of state land in Hambantota, to be used as an Investment Promotion Zone. The Board of Investments of Sri Lanka will allocate the development land within the IPZ to the prospective investors on a 50 year lease basis. The investments will cover diverse industries and sectors.
Agro-based Industries
Hambantota is well-known for agriculture and produces a major portion of the country's food requirement. Hambantota district has the basic characteristics for successful agro- based industries namely rich alluvial soil, an adequate water supply and abundance of cheap and knowledgeable labour. The agro industry is segmented into food crops, cash crops, long term crops, vegetables and fruits. Agriculture in the Hambantota district is the largest sector accounting 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Production (GDP). Government has given a range of incentives to support farmers to boost production and increase output by promoting direct foreign investment in the agricultural sector.
Livestock industry and fishing
Hambantota is raising livestock and producing milk in large quantities. Buffalo milk is used for the production of curd and cows' milk is used for the production of milk powder and sterilized milk. Poultry farming is another sector which rapidly improving in quality and quantity.
The strategy of the government is to improve the performance of the animal husbandry sector by self-reliance and sustainable live stock growth. The district has almost 14,000 active fisher men producing tons of fish annually. Kudawella, Tangalle, Hambanthota and Kirinda are the major fishing ports.
People of Hambatota play a leading role in the engine of prosperity of Sri Lanka and has been fueled by pragmatism, hard work and flood of individual enterprise and people.
By 2016, Hambantota district will play a leading role in Sri Lanka's development to provide access to new technologies and new techniques, and to share the benefits of the regions transformation with the rest of the world.
The next decade will see Hambantota as a strategic regional focal point between the Middle East and Far East.
Supporting Tourism growth throughout the country
The Commonwealth Games 2018 will be utilized as a way of illustrating that the country is a modern forward thinking country that is proud of its culture and history and Sri Lanka is preparing to share this with visitors to the country.
Post Tsunami Development
The Commonwealth Games will create an economic boost for a significant number of the small economies damaged by the Tsunami in the South and East of the country.
Post Conflict Reconstruction
After 25 years of conflict, the CG 2018 provides an opportunity for all sectors of society to come together under one banner to deliver the CG to the benefit of all communities. As a major part of the of the process of producing Community Cohesion will be through generating business skills that will benefit all those who are involved in the public and private sectors.
Second City Generation
The CG will act as a catalyst and an engine of growth for the area surrounding Hambantota linking the extensive new-build of the Port, the Airport and the Communication and Travel Infrastructure as well as the International Sports Hub. This model can be reproduced in other areas of the country.
City Region Development
Utilizing the City Region model employed extensively in Europe and Asia of a city region to create a centre of dynamic growth, the government plans to develop Hambantota into a city capable of accommodating a vast population. This bears evidence to the fact that Hambantota is fast getting ready to host Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Socio Economic Development
The CG will be integrated through the Business Enterprise Park and the Sports University into the growth mechanisms of the private sector thereby creating opportunities for the youth of the country to gain the kills to start their own businesses.
National Volunteering Programme
All Community sports clubs will be encouraged to develop volunteering programmes that will allow each community to understand the role of the Commonwealth Games. All of the information that is generated will be shared with communities throughout the country through a Repository of information so that groups and individuals will have access to the most vital information.
Sports Business Enterprise
A programme for developing community enterprises will be supported by the education programme created for the CG. This will be underpinned by Business Skills Development based at the Community Sports Organisations and supported by students and local businesses and linked to the Sports University through Information Technology. One of the unique elements of the sports university will be 'Warm weather training' facility which could attract many foreign sports men and women for higher performances when performing in this part of the world.
SOURCE : http://www.hambantota2018.com
Hambantota is a vast city located in 240 km South East of Colombo. It has been a strategic location in the the country. Hambantota district covers 2,622 sq. km land area accounting for over six per cent of Sri Lanka's land mass.
Bio Diversity
Hanbantota is a region gifted with rich wildlife resources. Yala, and Bundala national parks located in the South East boarder are conserved as wild life Parks. Kumana, Kalametiya are among the most accessible bird sanctuaries located in the district. In these national parks, Sri Lankan elephants can be found along with deer, wild boar, several species of monkeys, wild buffalo, peacocks, crocodiles, leopards and indigenous and migratory birds of all varieties.
Golden Beaches
Hambantota district has beautiful golden sandy beach with brilliant sunshine all year round. The south and south east coasts offer excellent underwater coral exploration sites.
Places of tourist attractions
The beaches, wildlife, historical land marks, places of religious importance occupy a leading place among the various places to visit in Sri Lanka. One can drive from Hambantota dry-zone to Chilly hill country in just a couple of hours.
Great history
Hambantota has many a natural location, historical sites, ruins and cultural heritage enjoyed by both local and foreign tourists alike.
Hambantota proudly claims a history spanning over twenty-two centuries. Hambantota was known as the "Magama Kingdom" during the heyday of Sri Lanka. Tissamaharama was a classic city during this period. Magama kindom built majestic second century Viharas and Dagabas such as Yatala, Sandagiri and Tissa which, even today, are very famous for their architectural design and outstanding sculpture.
Places of religious importance
Kataragama is an important place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans of all religions, so in a way, it fosters ethnic and religious harmony. Also, Kirivehera dagoba in Kataragama is a very sacred place for Buddhists all over the world as it was visited by Lord Buddha. Situlpawwa is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest second century sites of Buddhist scholarship. With a history dating back to over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in Hambantota district.
Mulkirigala rock temple is another important tourist attraction with a cave complex and an impressive stone stairway over six hundred steps. Katuwana is yet another fascinating tourist site which has a fort built by the Dutch nearly four centuries ago. Hambantota is not merely a historically important district but has diverse attractions, heritage, art, culture and traditions which no other city in the world can match.
Skilled & literate labour force
People in Hambantota have been living on agriculture, fisheries, sugar-cane and salt industry.Today, Hambantota district has an intelligent, highly-skilled and industrious work force in diverse industries and sectors including IT and other emerging technologies. Over 40% of the labour force is employed in agriculture. Almost 92% of the population in Hambantota district is literate.
International Trading Hub
For centuries, Hambantota has been a strategic trading and sea transport centre between the Middle East and Far East. Currently, the public and private sectors play a vital role by investing in key development areas such as, energy, telecommunication, construction and transport.
Hambantota is located in a most strategic location as a regional trading hub that links all international trading, transportation, etc.
Hambantota International Convention Centre (HICC)
Located in Siribopura, Hambantota, the project started in 2006 with Korean aid with the the objective of 'promoting balanced and comprehensive regional development through this Centre in Hambantota.' It has direct access to the southern expressway between capital Colombo and the other regions.
The current expansion of convention facilities in Colombo will certainly help but that will not meet the need to develop other mega cities. The decision to have facilities elsewhere is timely with HICC being the first purpose- built, state-of-the-art convention centre outside Colombo.
Hambantota International Seaport
The first phase of Hambantota harbour is nearing completion now. This is expected to be one of the three major habours of Sri Lanka and will attract a considerable percentage of 36,000 ships that pass Hambantota today and currently divert to other regional ports for their supplies spending additional money and time. The first phase of the habour will be completed in December 2010.
International Airport Hambantota
Hambantota International Airport is the second international airport of Sri Lanka where even the largest aircraft can land in. It will also attract tourists and business people to Hambantota, the second capital city of Sri Lanka. Further, the South of Sri Lanka will get two more air ports soon.
The airport, estimated to cost US$ $210 million, will cover an area of 2,000 hectares. The new airport will accommodate landing of even the largest aircraft. These planned development projects will change the district enormously, opening opportunities for many sectors and investors. Hambantota airport will be one of the green airports in the world and will commence its commercial operations in 2013.
IT Park
A new state-of-the-art IT park will be constructed in Hambantota with the private sector participation. Hambantota IT Park will be equipped with all the modern facilities and services required by a modern city, promoting Information Technology, IT Enabled Services, Business Process Outsourcing and other knowledge-based industries in the country.
International Cricket grounds
Sri Lanka will co-host 2011 cricket World Cup-semi finals with the introduction of a new cricket stadium in Hambantota. Hambantota Cricket stadium with its up-to-date amenities will be added to the ICC`s list of main cricket venues in the world.
Sports University
Government has a solid plan to develop sports and bring them to professional levels. Hambantota master plan consists of setting up a sports university as well as improving various sports to professional levels so that more young persons will be attracted to the field of sports. The initial planning for the sports University has already begun and soon the construction will commence and it will be ready well before the commonwealth Games 2018.
Hotels and tourism developments
With the increase in tourist arrival to the Hamabantota region, a large number of hotel will come up in the region of Hambantota in the near future. Top hotel brands have already given approval to start construction. Hotel currently operating in the region are being upgraded.
Sri Lanka Tourism now coming under Ministry of Economic Development has a vision for the development of south coast tourism-a major tourism development scheme with over one thousand of hotel rooms, public areas, recreation spaces, parking areas, staff quarters, and so on.
Investment promotional Zones
The high end apparel industries are based at Bata-atha, Mirijjawila, and Beliatta. Export Processing Zones yield many opportunities for investments. Hambantota salt industry, which produces 30% of the total salt production of the country, is the major industrial activity in the district and also one of the oldest in the country. The government has already implemented its plans to develop Hamabantota district as business friendly city and actively pursues the government policies on economic liberalization with emphasis on private sector investment.
The investment promotion zone is part of the government plan to develop Hambantota as an economic centre. Government has allocated 200 hectares of state land in Hambantota, to be used as an Investment Promotion Zone. The Board of Investments of Sri Lanka will allocate the development land within the IPZ to the prospective investors on a 50 year lease basis. The investments will cover diverse industries and sectors.
Agro-based Industries
Hambantota is well-known for agriculture and produces a major portion of the country's food requirement. Hambantota district has the basic characteristics for successful agro- based industries namely rich alluvial soil, an adequate water supply and abundance of cheap and knowledgeable labour. The agro industry is segmented into food crops, cash crops, long term crops, vegetables and fruits. Agriculture in the Hambantota district is the largest sector accounting 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Production (GDP). Government has given a range of incentives to support farmers to boost production and increase output by promoting direct foreign investment in the agricultural sector.
Livestock industry and fishing
Hambantota is raising livestock and producing milk in large quantities. Buffalo milk is used for the production of curd and cows' milk is used for the production of milk powder and sterilized milk. Poultry farming is another sector which rapidly improving in quality and quantity.
The strategy of the government is to improve the performance of the animal husbandry sector by self-reliance and sustainable live stock growth. The district has almost 14,000 active fisher men producing tons of fish annually. Kudawella, Tangalle, Hambanthota and Kirinda are the major fishing ports.
People of Hambatota play a leading role in the engine of prosperity of Sri Lanka and has been fueled by pragmatism, hard work and flood of individual enterprise and people.
By 2016, Hambantota district will play a leading role in Sri Lanka's development to provide access to new technologies and new techniques, and to share the benefits of the regions transformation with the rest of the world.
The next decade will see Hambantota as a strategic regional focal point between the Middle East and Far East.
Supporting Tourism growth throughout the country
The Commonwealth Games 2018 will be utilized as a way of illustrating that the country is a modern forward thinking country that is proud of its culture and history and Sri Lanka is preparing to share this with visitors to the country.
Post Tsunami Development
The Commonwealth Games will create an economic boost for a significant number of the small economies damaged by the Tsunami in the South and East of the country.
Post Conflict Reconstruction
After 25 years of conflict, the CG 2018 provides an opportunity for all sectors of society to come together under one banner to deliver the CG to the benefit of all communities. As a major part of the of the process of producing Community Cohesion will be through generating business skills that will benefit all those who are involved in the public and private sectors.
Second City Generation
The CG will act as a catalyst and an engine of growth for the area surrounding Hambantota linking the extensive new-build of the Port, the Airport and the Communication and Travel Infrastructure as well as the International Sports Hub. This model can be reproduced in other areas of the country.
City Region Development
Utilizing the City Region model employed extensively in Europe and Asia of a city region to create a centre of dynamic growth, the government plans to develop Hambantota into a city capable of accommodating a vast population. This bears evidence to the fact that Hambantota is fast getting ready to host Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Socio Economic Development
The CG will be integrated through the Business Enterprise Park and the Sports University into the growth mechanisms of the private sector thereby creating opportunities for the youth of the country to gain the kills to start their own businesses.
National Volunteering Programme
All Community sports clubs will be encouraged to develop volunteering programmes that will allow each community to understand the role of the Commonwealth Games. All of the information that is generated will be shared with communities throughout the country through a Repository of information so that groups and individuals will have access to the most vital information.
Sports Business Enterprise
A programme for developing community enterprises will be supported by the education programme created for the CG. This will be underpinned by Business Skills Development based at the Community Sports Organisations and supported by students and local businesses and linked to the Sports University through Information Technology. One of the unique elements of the sports university will be 'Warm weather training' facility which could attract many foreign sports men and women for higher performances when performing in this part of the world.
SOURCE : http://www.hambantota2018.com
