Aluthgamage said the president and his delegation were issued only 10 tickets, according to a report in 'The Sunday Times'.

"Several ministers had to buy their own tickets in the black market for nearly two hours in the scorching sun," Aluthgamage was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

John Seneviratne, another senior minister, said that Cabinet ministers had to go through normal procedures.

"We hosted the visiting delegates better and would provide better facilities," Seneviratne said.

However, the newspaper quoted the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi, Prasad Kariyawasam as saying that there were no complaints over the facilities extended to president Rajapaksa while witnessing the final.