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Yet another manifestation of Sri Lankan ingenuity was in evidence, at the Launching of the indoor Cricket Board game 'Howazat' last Thursday eventing at the 'Golden Pond' Taj Samudra.

This historic introductory launch, was organised and hosted by Exel Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, the sole distributor in Sri Lanka of a new game, that holds much promise of becoming very popular.

Regarded as an unique product, the game 'Howazat' is the only one of its kind, and comes into being through the innovative enterprising efforts of Ajit Perera, the Managing Director Howazat (Pvt) Ltd - A fully Sri Lankan owned company.

Chief among those present on this impressive memorable occasion, was the Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and his wife. Ranatunga, has evinced much interest and enthusiasm for this novel enterprise, lending tangible expression to it by being its endorser. Evidence of which was seen, when amidst applause he ceremonially unveiled a large sized replica of 'Howazat' on which bore a photographic endorsement of his. The launch of 'Howazat' does appear to be apt and timely, in that it coincides with the forthcoming world Cup and is bound to attract world-wide attention, as well as positive recognition for Sri Lanka: not only as the current world champions, but as the country of origin of the first ever realistic board game with the manner of play based on actual cricket rules. It is significant that the launch was carried out simultaneously in all 12 countries participating in the World Cup tournament, with uniformity, of quality being maintained throughout all markets.

The game itself is a unique adaptation of cricket to an indoor board game, which does not require knowledge or familiarity with the actual game of cricket, and as such could be an absorbing fun filled experience for the whole family. Apart from the game having all the exciting elements of the real cricket game, it has the added advantage of being able to be played at anytime and in any conditions.

Howazat offers three game options, (A) two player single batsman (B) two player double batsmen (C) four player single batsman. The game is supplied with four different coloured batsmen figurines, fielders in four colours and two dice in two colours to make the above game options possible. Also to be found is a list of the 12 World Cup participating teams and names of players, with a score pad to determine the winner. Of interest are the features that reflect the 'glorious uncertainties' of cricket, which are skilfully incorporated in sets of bowling error, third umpire an chance cards which serve to enhance player interest and interaction in a manner which renders the experience of playing Howazat as close to the real thing as possible.

Therefore, the Howazat cricket board game takes the form of an ideal gift for children as well as adults and what's more, Ranatunga's endorsement adds value to the product as a collectors item.

According to Anton De Livera and Rathven De Livera, Chairman and Managing Director respectively of Exel Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, this indoor game priced at Rs. 675 will be on sale from May 5 at supermarkets, book stores and accredited shops. The game which is the brainchild of entrepreneur Ajit Perera, Managing Director of Howazat (Pvt) Ltd, said that in keeping with Arjuna Ranatunga's objective of further popularizing cricket in the rural areas, adequate measures have been taken to ensure that this indoor game could be played in those areas.

Also in the offing he said is a CD - Rom of the game for computer play. Ten per cent of the monies realised from sales will go to the Arjuna Ranatunga foundation for betterment of cricket in Sri Lanka. Further particulars regarding purchases, rules etc; could be had from Exel Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, 446, R. A. de Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3.