Tony Greig's family and the Channel 9 commentary team were invited by opposing captains Michael Clarke and Mahela Jayawardene to join the players and officials on the playing arena before the match started.
Michael Clarke's Australians swept Sri Lanka aside by an innings and 201 runs to win the second Test inside three days in Melbourne and seal the series after a comprehensive win in the first Test.
Fans at this week's final Australia-Sri Lanka Test in Sydney have been asked to wear tributes to the late Tony Greig and retiring batsman Mike Hussey, officials said on Monday.
South African-born Tony Greig died on Saturday after a heart attack at his Sydney home at the age of 66, as he battled lung cancer diagnosed just two months ago.
"Not only was he a great admirer of Sri Lanka cricket, he also loved our country," Ranatunga said, adding cricket world would be poorer without Greig,
All-rounder and former Test captain Botham said: "He was my first ever captain for England. I'm very sad and very emotional.
The ICC has condoled the death of former England cricketer Tony Greig who lost a battle with lung cancer.
Approached with caution on the field and with admiration and respect off it, Tony Greig was known as much for cricketing skills as for having a genial nature.
Former England cricketer Robin Jackman has been diagnosed with cancer and is to undergo a long therapy session to remove the tumours from his vocal chords.
Former England cricket captain Tony Greig, who made his name as a TV commentator after a controversial playing career, has revealed he is suffering from lung cancer.