COLOMBO, MAY 21: Ccicket-mad Sri Lankans were infuriated today because state television said it would not show a crucial game between India and Pakistan because it clashed with a Buddhist festival. Sri Lanka will meet the winners of today's Independence Cup match in the best-of-three finals starting on Saturday.

The state-owned Rupavahini Station which owns exclusive television rights in Sri Lanka for the Indian tournament said its decision was aimed at preserving the solemnity of the religious occasion.

For Sri Lanka's majority Buddhists today marks the anniversary of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away over 2,500 years ago and the day is generally devoted to religious activities.

``Rupavahini took this decision having given consideration to the significance of the Wesak Day which is being observed by the whole nation with such reverence and solemnity,'' Rupavahini said in a statement.

It said cricket was kept out to ``ensure the prevalence of a peaceful, serene, religious atmosphere in every home.''

Television officials said they had received a barrage of angry calls from fans who insisted on seeing the match live on television. The station, however, said recorded coverage would be shown tomorrow. Sri Lanka's liquor stores and slaughter houses are closed during the Wesak festivities which officially end tomorrow.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.