Australia to help out cash-strapped Sri Lanka

Cricket Australia has come to the aid of Sri Lanka's cash-strapped cricket board, agreeing to play two extra one-day internationals during next year's tour, a gesture of goodwill that will raise an estimated US$800,000.

The Australians will now play five ODIs in Dambulla and Colombo in late February followed by three Test matches in Galle, Kandy and Colombo during March. The two extra matches will help raise much-needed funds for the Sri Lankan board (SLC), which is facing a financial crisis because of falling revenues and a potential US$11million damages payment. Last year the board made a loss of US$900,000.

Mohan de Silva, the secretary, said: "Australia understood our financial position and it was very decent of them to agree to this request." SLC believes it will net an additional US$400,000 each match. The board hopes to sign a new three-year broadcasting contract in January.

In return, Sri Lanka have agreed to play two Tests in Darwin and Cairns during Australia's winter next year. "We have now also agreed to visit next June and July to play in the northern territories," confirmed de Silva.

Australia last toured Sri Lanka in September 1999 soon after winning the World Cup. They lost a one-day series final and were then beaten 1-0 in the rain-affected three-Test series that followed.

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