The Sri Lankan cricketers, led by Lasith Malinga, crowned as Twenty20 Kings return to the motherland with the World Cup.
The Sri Lankan cricketers who did proud by clinching the Twenty20 World Cup beating their opponents India in the finals arrived at the Katunayake International Airport this afternoon. The Lions touched down at the Airport after arriving in a UL 502 Sri Lankan Airlines flight. Among those present at the Airport to warmly greet the cricket heroes were Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena, Provincial Minister Nimal Lanza. After according a rousing welcome to the cricketers, they added their memories on a massive board by placing signatures. It was followed by multi religious observances to bless the cricketers.
Twenty20 skipper Lasith Malinga and former captain Tilakaratne Dilshan addressing the media at the Katunayake International Airport recalled their memories. They did not forget to mention the various support extended to win the World Cup
Lasith Malinga said that attempts were made several times to achieve this feat. But finally they succeeded. The cricketers as well as the trainers were determined to achieve this victory. He said that they are proud to have meted out justice to the country and the cricket fans.
Former skipper Tilakaratne Dilshan pointed out that they would further advance on behalf of their fans. He recalled the 2007 World Cup in which Sri Lanka suffered a defeat. But on their return their fans greeting them despite the defeat, braving heavy rain.
Thereafter the cricket heroes embarked on their journey to Colombo from Katunayake.
The Champion players reached Colombo in an Open Top bus, to the wide applause of cricket-craze masses who lined the route they were travelling.
The masses in their thousands at the Airport and the surrounding areas extended their greetings to the cricketers, since the commencement of the journey to Colombo.
Meanwhile, our correspondents reported that large crowds who gathered in areas such as Peliyagoda, Baseline Road and Borella Junction extended their warm greetings to the cricket heroes who were proceeding to Colombo.
The Sri Lankan World Champions, led by skipper Lasith Malinga were slated to meet President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this evening upon their arrival in Colombo. After commemorating with the President the victory achieved and doing Sri Lanka proud, the cricket heroes were scheduled to arrive at the Galle Face Green to participate in a special welcoming function.
Massive crowds thronged the Galle Face Green to greet their heroes. A massive musical show is organized at the Galle Face Green in view of the magnanimous victory achieved by the cricketers in the Twenty20 World Cup.
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