Hambantota, who are in a two-horse race with Australia's Gold Coast to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, appointed London-based sporting management consultancy company pmplegacy to lead a their bid at the end of last year.

pmplegacy are leading the British delegation, which includes public relations firms Fast Track and Bell Pottinger, as well as UK based accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Malcolm Munro, the former communications director of Sport England, is also working on the bid at Good Relations - who are part of the Bell Pottinger Group - while the Hambantota 2018 Bid Book, which was submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in May, also shows British influence as it was designed by Edinburgh and London design outfit Navyblue.

The amount of British influence on the bid has been criticised by some in Sri Lanka who would like to see more local firms involved but Cabraal said he is happy with the team in place.

"We are delighted with the input we have had from all those that have been working on our bid," Cabraal told insidethegames.

"pmplegacy have bought a lot of professionalism to our bid and they also bring a wealth of relevant event bidding and planning experience which is vital for us.

"We feel they are making very key contributions in showing clearly what a great Commonwealth Games Sri Lanka could host in 2018."

Hambantota 2018 are reportedly paying pmplegacy around Rs. 336 million (£1.9 million) for their contribution to the bid although Peter Mann, founder and chair of pmplegacy, declined to comment on whether that figure is accurate.

Meanwhile, other than the British-based talent on working the bid, Hambantota have John Barrow from Populous, who was born and bred on the Gold Coast.

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