The tri-series hung in the balance after South Africa indicated they wanted to return home following a blast close to their team hotel here on Monday which killed seven people and injured 17.

"We are told the International Cricket Council (ICC) wants to have its own security assessment," South African media manager Gordon Templeton told reporters here.

"After discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), we have decided to stay on in Colombo and will take part in the tri-series if the security clearance comes."

"Police and security officials have assured us the highest levels of security in Sri Lanka are now in place to ensure the safety of the Proteas," said cricket affairs general manager Brian Basson.

"We have also been advised by the South African high commissioner in Colombo all indications are that the team and cricket in general do not appear to be targets in the general unrest in Sri Lanka.

"The safety of the team has been paramount in all our deliberations and we have been assured upgraded security levels for the team will achieve this."

The additional security measures include armed guards, traffic-free roads for transport, bulletproof coaches and armoured back-up vehicles.

The ICC has three days to gauge the situation in the Sri Lankan capital before South Africa's first match in the series against India on Saturday, according to the revised schedule drawn up by the organisers.

The series gets underway on Wednesday with a day-night match between Sri Lanka and India at the Premadasa Stadium.

The original series opener between South Africa and Sri Lanka, which was rained off on Monday and cancelled again on Tuesday following South Africa's reluctance to play, will now be held on August 29.

The final, earlier scheduled for August 29, will take place on September 2.

Each team plays the other twice in the league before the final. A reserve day has been kept aside for all matches in case of rain.

Meanwhile, as doubts persisted on South Africa's participation, Sri Lanka and India went about their preparations for Wednesday's day-night encounter.

With the rain clouds having migrated, Sri Lanka practised under a blistering hot sun at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground.

Tom Moody, their coach, insisted that there had been no let-up in intensity on the part of his boys, saying: "Regardless of whether South Africa stay on or leave, we're playing India tomorrow."

His confident assertion may also have had much to do with an awareness of behind-the-scenes parleys between Sri Lanka Cricket officials and their Indian counterparts.

As for the Indians, they skipped an Independence Day function at the Indian high commission Tuesday morning and went for their practice session in the afternoon amid tight security.

REVISED SCHEDULE
Aug 16 Sri Lanka v India
Aug 19 India v South Africa
Aug 21 Sri Lanka v South Africa
Aug 24 Sri Lanka v India
Aug 26 India v South Africa
Aug 29 Sri Lanka v South Africa
Sept 2 Final