Groundstaff in Colombo work tirelessly but to no avail

Sri Lanka Cricket officials, concerned by the expense of a series with no play, met with their India counterparts and reached their decision.

"The tri-series featuring India and South Africa will be rescheduled some time in 2007," a spokesman confirmed.

Only 22 deliveries were bowled during the week, in monsoon season, despite reserve days being put in place.

The three-match series was hurriedly organised after a tri-series also involving South Africa was cancelled.

The Proteas pulled out because of security fears following a deadly bomb attack near their hotel on 10 August.

The first one-dayer saw only 16 minutes of play despite being spread over two days on Friday and Saturday.

The second game on Sunday was abandoned without a ball being bowled as heavy rain continued to lash the Sri Lankan capital throughout the day.

The third and final match was to have been played on Tuesday.

India coach Greg Chappell said: "There is unlikely to be any play for some time due to the weather.

"It was quite disappointing to be here and not playing any cricket."