HC in New Delhi to represent New Zealand Premier at the World Cup semi-final in Sri Lanka

The President's Office in Sri Lanka today said the New Zealand High Commissioner in New Delhi will represent the New Zealand Prime Minister at the Cricket World Cup semifinal between the two countries tomorrow.

Director General of the President's Media Unit and Spokesperson Bandula Jayasekara told the media that New Zealand Premier John Key was delighted to receive the invitation from President Mahinda Rajapaksa to witness the cricket match, but was unable to do so due to time constraints.

The Premier had just returned to Wellington from the Provinces prevented him from undertaking a trip to Sri Lanka, he said.

Jayasekara's comments come after New Zealand news reports stated that Prime Minister Key had turned down an invitation extended by President Rajapaksa to watch the cricket match tomorrow.

Rajapaksa yesterday invited the New Zealand Premier to watch the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tomorrow.