The send off is said to be organised by a firm which has links to SLC Vice secretary - Ravin Wickramaratne.

The firm has been given the event as it has teamed up for political propaganda activities of Thilanga Sumathipala in the recent past.

It is said that the same firm was tasked with organising the send off that was held ahead of the last World Cup and the cost had run up to Rs. 40 million.

However, the team's official sponsors - Dialog had sponsored Rs. 17 million of the sum

No visa for coach
Although such extravagant send offs are being organised, the team coach - Graham Ford was left languishing until yesterday afternoon (03) with no visa to go to England.

However, he was granted visa at the last moment.

Meanwhile, speaking to us, a player said that having to endure a long flight after arriving at the sendoff in the wee hours of today (04) and staying there for two hours, was exhausting.