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In a gesture that calls for Sri Lankans to stand firmly behind the team bating it out in England, Singer Sri Lanka announced the sponsorship of the bat used by the cricket world's most senior captain, Arjuna Ranatunga. Confirming the sponsorship as Sri Lanka is facing World Cup '99 defending the title won amidst sweat and glory back in 1996, Singer Sri Lanka says that it carries all the good wishes of every Sri Lankan for the team to bring the cup back home.

Singer Sri Lanka has always been firmly behind Sri Lankan cricket the Company sponsors the Sri Lanka cricket team. According to company sources, Singer's sponsorship is considered one of the highest to be undertaken by a Sri Lankan company. ``As a Sri Lankan company, we are proud to be associated with our team in every possible way sponsoring Arjuna's bat is a significant gesture that confirms our commitment to cricket in Sri Lanka'', says a Company spokesman.

``We have to rally around Arjuna and the Team doing their bit at the World Cup 99'' he adds,'' the atmosphere in England is no doubt very competitive and our boys are facing strong teams. Whatever the outcome is, we believe that as Lankans, we must support the Lankan cricketers. They definitely need to know that all of us are behind them and wish them the very best - we know there can be ups and downs but as defending World Cup champs, we can stand up to it and win.'' The sponsorship was agreed before Sri Lanka recorded the first World Cup victory against Zimbabwe - yet another Singer reinforcement towards encouraging the team towards victory, confirm company sources.

Company sources reiterate that as sponsors of the national team, Singer believes in rallying every Lankan to a cause that put Sri Lanka on the map as winners of the World Cup in 1996 - Singer has already announced many activities that celebrate the participation of Sri Lanka in World Cup 1999 as defending champions.

Among these was Singer's association with the World Cup anthem launched by the Gypsies before the team departed for England. ``Cricket Surayo'', fulfilled its goal in encouraging the World Cup champions when it was played simultaneously by all radio stations. Cricket Surayo was the first time that an anthem was launched to spur the Lankan team to victory'' says a Company spokesman, ``And the fact that it has received a good response from the cricket fans is evident.'' Singer is also giving out a limited number of Cricket Surayo cassettes free with every purchase of a Singer audio system during the World Cup '99.

Singer is also offering World Cup specials on products every customer who purchases a Singer TV set until 15th June, will be entitled to a VCR free when Sri Lanka brings the Cup back home. Singer is also offering special reduced prices on refrigerators. There is a special offer on Whirlpool products as well. In fact, any purchase of over Rs. 990 from a Singer outlet entitles a customer to special World Cup cricket memorabilia, Singer sources confirm.

Sponsors of the national cricket team since 1995, Singer has been behind the team from the days before the team became world champions in 1996.

``Singer's commitment is to cricket in Sri Lanka - our contribution is towards developing and nurturing cricket at every level. We are closely associated with developing cricket at a district and school level too'' , points out a Company spokesman.