Tirupati, Apr 2 (ANI): Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the renowned Tirupati temple to pray for the success of his team ahead of the 2011 World Cup cricket final to be played at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium today.
During his visit to the temple on Friday, President Rajapaksa paid obeisance to Lord Venkateswara and offered special prayers for his country's cricket team.
The President later told reporters that he has come to pray for his team, and to maintain peace and friendly relations with India as well.
"Of course, I prayed not only for cricket team, but peace in our country and for the friendship of Sri Lanka and India and for the benefit of the people," he said.
President Rajapaksa is scheduled to watch the final encounter between the two Asian countries along with his Indian counterpart President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
India kept the dreams of billions alive after sinking Pakistan by 29 runs in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to set up an all-Asian final against Sri Lanka.
The 1983 champions posted 260-9 and then returned to bowl out their neighbours for 231 in 49.5 overs to spark jubilant celebrations at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
Sri Lanka qualified for the ICC world cup finals beating New Zealand by five wickets in at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka has played four one-dayers at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, including a league match in this tournament against New Zealand. Out of those four, they have won two and lost two.
A total of 14 ODIs have been held at the Wankhede since the inaugural clash between India and Sri Lanka. (ANI)
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