The group representing Cyprus, England, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Malta, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales share 10 votes between them, which could be crucial at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis on November 11 when Hambantota will face its only rival, the Gold Coast.

England are among the countries who still have to make up their minds about which way to vote.

Commonwealth Games England are due to hold a Board meeting next month when they will decide who they should back and this trip to the Sri Lankan city could prove crucial in helping them make up their minds. 

"The delegation knows exactly what they are looking for," said Ajith Nivard Cabraal (pictured), the Hambantota 2018 co-chairman and Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

"We will not only show them why the CGF Evaluation Commission concluded that we meet every single technical requirement.

"But also our vision for harnessing the power of sport to build a better tomorrow for our people."

Earlier this month the CGF Evaluation Commission published its 144-page report on the two bidding cities and, while it admitted Hambantota presented a risk compared to the Gold Coast, it also concluded that the city "presents an exciting opportunity for the Commonwealth Games to assist in the development of the city and the country in a substantial and impactful way".

Hambantota, who have become increasingly active as the vote has drawn closer, earlier this year published its legacy plan, outlining how Sri Lanka will harness the power of sport and the benefits of becoming the Commonwealth Games to help continue its rapid development. 

"For us there is much more at stake than simply tourism and revenue generation," said Cabraal.

"As a unified nation Sri Lanka is on an exciting and progressive journey driven by its 10-year plan 'Taking Sri Lanka to 2020'.

"Bidding for and hosting the Games in 2018 is an integral part of this journey and will act as a catalyst in helping to achieve these ambitions – together."

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