Sri Lanka team given VIP treatment on return to island

Sri Lanka's jubilant national cricketers, returned to Sri Lanka in the early hours of this morning, after their victory in the Coca Cola Champions Trophy in Sharjah. They were accorded a hero's welcome at the VIP Lounge by the Board President, Thilanga Sumathipala, the Minister of Sports, Lakshman Kiriella, and the Director of Sports, Milton Amarasinghe. Other notable board officials were also present.

Skipper Jayasuriya and the squad were clearly still on a high after their record-breaking victory over India on the final last Sunday. Once again, Sanath Jayasuriya, remained modest and credited the victory to the efforts of the whole squad: "It was a team effort and the individual performance of each and every player contributed towards bring us to this high level."

Coach Dav Whatmore seemed to be a contented man; happy that the players have progressed in all departments of the game: "It is a matter of maintaining high standards to be consistent throughout the duration of the tournament."

Cricket Board President, Thilanga Sumathipala, pointed out that the difference between victory and defeat, whilst perhaps small in the number of runs or wickets, was large in the perceptions of Sri Lankan cricket fans. Only achievement would bring rewards.

"The Board decided to give Muralitharan an incentive of 10,000 US Dollars because he achieved a rare feat and Jayasuriya went near but failed to and he was not rewarded, that is how it goes" explained Sumathipala.

"They should be satisfied with what they get in defeat from the Sri Lankans, because in India if you lose it is totally a different story, the people go to the extent of setting fire on house, fans here should be rewarded."