Nalin Attygalle, one of Sri Lanka's most experienced marketing constultants, has been officially appointed as the chief executive - a role he has been effectively acting in since the bid was launched last April.

He will continue to work closely with·Ajith Nivard Cabraal, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, who was appointed as the co-chairman of Hambantota's Bid Committee last November.

Hambantota's visibility will begin to raise when they launch their new logo at a special ceremony on Monday (January 31) which is due to be attended by Sri Lankan President·Mahinda Rajapakse.·

Cabraal claimed that the logo "promises to capture the hearts of all those involved with the Games".

"The logo and his direct attachment to sports and Commonwealth Games bid amply shows the country's commitment to winning the Commonwealth Games bid and positively meeting all challenges associated with hosting commonwealth Games in Sri Lanka in 2018," he said.

"The new logo underlines a compelling combination of Sri Lankan culture, rich tradition and excitement.

"The official logo promises to capture the hearts of everyone who is involved with the Commonwealth Games world around.

"The Hambantota 2018 brand is simple ,clear, daring and instantly identifiable, and tells the world what a courteous and friendly nation Sri Lanka is.

"Sri Lanka fast moves forward as a country with a distinctive vision and Hambantota's strategic location will help to ensure that it becomes one of the most vibrant cities in Asia with a sporting, educational and tourism hub at its heart."

The launch of the logo will mark the start of a new marketing campaign.

"The brand's message of strength and simplicity supports the Hambantota strategy of delivering a better and new experience to the Commonwealth Games Federation and winning the hearts of people in Commonwealth countries at every level," said Cabraal.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Sri Lanka's Sports Minister and co-chairman of the bid, added: "A·key ambition of our bid campaign is to inspire other island, developing and emerging nations and their people throughout the Commonwealth, since the Hambantota 2018 Games will ensure a legacy not just for our new city and Sri Lanka, but for South Asia, the Commonwealth as a whole, and the Commonwealth Games brand".

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