The High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, attended the “Official Kits Awarding Ceremony and Media Briefing” today (29-10-2010) at the Olympic House Auditorium on the eve of the departure of the Sri Lankan contingent for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi from 3-14 October. Speaking on the occasion, the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee President, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando, expressed Sri Lanka's complete confidence in the preparedness of India to host the 19th Commonwealth Games successfully. He said that the 137-strong Sri Lankan contingent looked forward to competing at the mega sports event. Mr. Fernando emphasized that they never had any doubts about the ability of India to organize the games successfully. 

Chef de Mission of the Sri Lankan Contingent, Mr. Chandana Liyanage, who recently visited India to inspect the facilities in New Delhi, assured the athletes and the participants that the Games village and the Stadia are ready in all respects to host the event. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Sports, Hon.R.M.C.B. Ratnayake, congratulated India for taking the initiative to bring the Commonwealth Games to the subcontinent. He said he looked forward to visiting India and seeing for himself the world class preparations done by the country. 

High Commissioner Kantha told the gathering that a warm welcome awaited the contingent on its arrival in New Delhi. He stated that some of the much-hyped adverse publicity will be more than made up by the excellent preparations done by India along with traditional South Asian hospitality, which will make all visitors feel at home. The High Commissioner emphasized that all the venues are fully ready to host the athletes. These venues had been prepared well in time and eighteen test events have been held there since the beginning of 2010. The Games Village, spread over 63.5 hectares, is located in the heart of the city near the Yamuna river. It is fully equipped to house 8000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories. Mr. Kantha also assured the participants about the extensive security measures taken to ensure the safety of athletes at all times, including while in transit to the venues. 3800 CCTV cameras have been deployed at Games-related locations as also around the city. The High Commissioner reiterated that both India and Sri Lanka fully appreciate the dangers of terrorism and the need to combat it firmly. 

The High Commissioner also informed the media about special arrangements made for them to cover the event. The main media centre, equipped with all modern facilities is located at Pragati Maidan. There will also be Venue Media Centers at each stadium/venue.