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A message personally signed by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was handed over at Lord's Cricket Grounds before the match against England, the opening encounter in the 1999 World Cup. The message was accepted by Duleep Mendis, Manager and Arjuna Ranatunga, captain in the dressing room. Mr. Mendis thanked Her Excellency for her kind words.

President Kumaratunga wrote:

'It gives me great pleasure to be associated, even at a great distance, with this felicitation of our national cricket team, who are in Britain to defend the World Cup which they so marvellously won at Lahore, in 1996. All Sri Lankans at home, and indeed Sri Lankans anywhere, would be with our team in spirit these coming weeks and days. Our prayers and good wishes go with them as they embark on their mission to become the second team to retain the World Cup....'

The President of Sri Lanka's message was also relayed to the International Media in the new Press Centre at Lord's.