Malinga did not accompany the team at their departure for India, but will join them later.

He ridiculed tradition which requires all team members to dress properly for the occasion, which they did wearing coat and tie.

An observer told Sri Lanka Mirror that minister Dayasiri Jayasekara should have noticed this, as he was a person who hurried to hold media briefings even when new selectors were appointed.

President Maithripala Sirisena was the chief guest, while minister Gayantha Karunatilake, Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala and team sponsor Dialog’s managing director Hans Wijesuriya also attended.

The president unveiled the webpage for the team at the WC, after which Sumathipala presented him with the team logo titled ‘One country, one team’.

Captain Mathews said he was happy a ceremony was held to wish them, and said that his team would give 100 per cent to retain the WC.

The ceremony was made colourful by various dancing and singing performances, and thousands of balloons were released to wish the team good luck.