The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Players meet Sri Lankan President

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Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Players meet Sri Lankan President

Special Correspondent

YOU SEE... . Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse in conversation with Sachin Tendulkar and Greg Chappell.

Colombo: The Indian and the Sri Lankan cricket teams had a morning meeting with the Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapakse, at his residence here on Monday.

India manager Sanjay Jagdale said Mr. Rajapakse met the two teams around 10.30 a.m. "He was very happy that India had stayed back for a three-match series with Sri Lanka, after the South Africans pulled out. But he wished the weather had permitted more play here."

Mr. Jagdale added, "We thanked the President for the excellent hospitality in Sri Lanka. We were looked after very well. We would love to come back."

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said Mr. Rajapakse came across as "a kind man."

"He spent about 15 minutes talking to the cricketers of both sides. He showed keen interest in cricket. He also had a longish conversation with Sachin Tendulkar."

Harbhajan said it was a pleasant function. "You see we did not have too much cricket in Sri Lanka. But we always have pleasant memories of the island. The meeting with the President was no different."

Members of the Indian team left for home in various batches, some heading for Mumbai, others to New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai.

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