Singer are the current sponsors of the national team. After their three-year sponsorship ended in September 30 this year, the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka gave them an extension till November 13 (till the competion of the current Coca Cola Champions trophy in Sharjah) to finalise the main sponsorship.
The BCCSL called for fresh tenders, and four companies, including Singer showed interest.
Indications are that Singer will be asked to continue with their sponsorship till November 30, 2001. The decision will be finalised at the BCCSL's Executive Committee meeting on November 19.
Singer is likely to get the sponsorship because they don't deal in non-alcoholic and non-smoking products.
``This is one of the main advantages they have over other sponsors. They are genuine promoters of cricket, not merely sponsors. They are superb partners to work with,'' said BCCSL president Thilanga Sumathipala.
The BCCSL is expecting an almost 300 percent increase from the previous team sponsorship from Singer.
Under Singer sponsorship the national team had remarkable success culminating with the winning of the Wills World Cup in March 1996. Sri Lanka will defend the title in England next year.