Monks bless Sri Lanka players ahead of World Cup; see pics

Mumbai: Apparently Sri Lankan team may be the only cricket playing team taking part in a full-fledged religious ceremony before taking any overseas tour. It was no different on Monday when all members of the squad including foreign staff attended the ceremony held at the SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) headquarters at 35, Maitland Place.

Photo: SLC

"I cannot pinpoint the date from when this process began. This practice has been going on for a long time", Mahinda Wijesinghe, a former cricketer and a historian in Sri Lanka says exclusively.

"During this ceremony, the monk/s is/are invited from the nearest temple. There are many temples in the country".

"The monk/s chant/s relevant teachings of Lord Buddha for a few minutes to bless the team members", he further adds.

Photo: SLC

"While these chantings are going on by the monk/s a white string is held by the monk/s by members of the team The idea is that the blessings of the monk/s are transmitted by the string held by members of the team", Wijesinghe added further.

"The white thread is a form of blessing to provide protection...it is called PIRIT[H] NULA", informs Michael Roberts, another historian, now living in Australia, added.

Photo: SLC

Arjuna Ranatunga, who was also blessed by a monk has remained the only Sri Lankan captain to have won the World Cup in 1996.