By mid morning the Singhalese Sports Club outfield, one of the venues used in thee 1996 World Cup, was awash after a downpour which flooded surrounding streets.
The 15 members of Dale Benkenstein's team, recovering from the 23 hour journey from Johannesburg via Dubai, did their best to best to make light of the conditions by kicking about a ball. Although treacherous underfoot conditions forced them to stop after 45 minutes, the loosener was well worth it.
Coach Graham Ford expects to announce the side after a selection meeting with Benkenstein and vice-captain Nicky Boje today.
While Ford sorted out playing conditions and some of batsmen managed an indoor net, the Sri Lankans announced two squads, their A Team pool of 26 players, one of whose parents gave him the ambitious name of Bradman, is part of a mixed bag of class and youth.
Only Bradman Ediriweera is a bowler and has few pretensions of following his famous namesake in the ranks of batting.
As for the rest test players Chaminda Vaas and Roshan Mahanama have not, as initially expected, been included in the squad. Vaas' ankle injury which plagued him during the tour of South Africa earlier this year has ruled him out.
For Mahanama, the lack of form this year still dogs his fortunes. But a strong pool of players, including a number who played against England A in six matches in February and March, have been given another chance.
As expected Sanjeewa Ranatunga, younger brother of the national captain Arjuna, test wicketkeeper Lanka de Silva, the promising strokeplayer Manoj Mendis and fast bowler Eric Upasantha are included.
Several members of the Sri Lanka under-19 World Cup side have been included in what the selection panel regard as an important testing ground.
Familiar faces included in the Board President's XI to be led by Sajith Fernando for the opening game of the tour tomorrow, was captain of the Sri Lanka under-24s three years ago.
The team is:
Sajith Fernando (capt), Upeka Fernando, Sanjeewa Ranatunga, Avishka Gunawardena, Manoj Mendis, Malintha Warnapura, TM Dilshan, Amal Dalgoda, Anil Rideegammangedra, Ruchira Perea, Hendara Rushdee. Twelfth man, Hermantha Boteju.
This Report supported by Lanka Internet Services Ltd