The design features eight pairs of hands in the colours of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

Each pair of hands is pressed together, palms together, and fingers pointed outwards, symbolising Anjali Mudra, the hand gesture practiced throughout Asia and the continent's eight Commonwealth members.

The design also depicts the similar Ayubowan gesture, a cultural symbol of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan hospitality.

The bid strap line is "Together. From the heart."

The release of the logo also signifies the beginning of a full-scale advertising and marketing blitz to support the Games bid.

Rajapaksa claimed that the launch of the logo signified the rebirth of the country.

"This launch of Hambantota's 2018 Commonwealth Games emblem signifies the rapid progress Sri Lanka is making since the tsunami and the end of terrorism," he said.

"We are moving forward together as one nation and look forward to the opportunity of welcoming our friends throughout the Commonwealth to Sri Lanka and Hambantota in 2018.

"Our bid for the 2018 Games is also an important message to everyone in the country that we are an ambitious nation, growing rapidly in economic and social development."



Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Hambantota 2018 Organising Committee co-chairman and Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, predicted that the unveiling of the logo will help establish the city as a serious rival to the Gold Coast to host the Games.

The CGF are due to choose between the cities at its annual meeting in St Kitts and Nevis on November 11.

"We are an island nation with a big heart and big aspirations; we are taking very seriously our responsibility as a CGF Candidate City in bidding for the honour of hosting the 2018 Games," said Cabraal.

"This is a welcoming and celebratory emblem that embodies our bid.

"It is not just an emblem but a promise we keep both to the CGF and visitors to our country.

"Hospitality is second nature to us and, together as a nation, we will continue to extend the hand of friendship to all."

Hambantota is one of the fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia, thanks to the construction of a new sea port and international airport. 

The city claims that it will create compact Sports City, including a Games Village, if they are chosen to host the Games.

"The development of sport throughout Sri Lanka is a top priority for the Government; the new National Sports Plan is testimony to this commitment," said Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Sri Lanka's Sports Minister and co-chairman of Hambantota 2018.

"The sporting infrastructure planned for Hambantota is the beginning of this sporting renaissance.

"Our commitment to all CGAs (Commonwealth Games Associations) is that all venues and infrastructure will be ready by December 2016, with 2017 used for test events. We will plan an exemplary event in 2018, with superb training and competition venues in iconic surroundings."

A number of high-profile Sri Lankan sporting icons are due to be unveiled shortly to help promote the bid, Aluthgamage promised.

The Gold Coast launched its logo last August.

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