The cricketers received a warm welcome at London Heathrow's terminal 4, they were met by Ivan Corea (Secretary), Alan Wahab (Liaison Officer), Deepal Dharmasekhara and Thalath Ismail of the UK representative committee of the BCCSL. Also present were Sugath Rajapakse, Country Manager Air Lanka, Vernon Abeywardena, Station Manager of Air Lanka, John Carr of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Members of the media and the Sri Lankan community in the UK.
The cricketers practised at Lord's faced the international media at a press conference and are scheduled to play their first match against Hampshire on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the 'thunderer,' the London Times heralded their arrival in the Father Times Column commenting it was a good thing that the Sri Lankans were touring the UK. The Times also mentioned the first ever Sri Lanka Day in Essex where top cricketers Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya will be making an appearance to meet British cricket fans and well wishers. Her Majesty the Queen has sent her best wishes for a successful day in Essex on Sunday 19th July.