Re-writing Sri Lanka’s electronic history, leading Consumer Electronics Retailer, Singhagiri (Pvt) Ltd, together with Sri Lanka’s first-ever Original Device/Equipment Manufacturer, EWIS Colombo Limited (ECL) launches the island’s first locally assembled SGL Android Smart TV at JAIC Hilton on Friday.
Singhagiri and EWIS hope that this bold step to manufacture and assemble quality televisions, using locally sourced material, would validate the ‘made in Sri Lanka’ tag. The competitively priced SGL TV presents an ideal homegrown alternative to local consumers deprived of the privilege of imported electronic and electrical goods.
ECL Chairman, Sanjeewa Wickramanayake recalled that they had to face tremendous hardships having to go over 10 times to the Treasury and more to customs and other regulatory bodies to gain approvals to put out this locally assembled SGL Android Smart TV. “This is not the encouraging push we expect from a government that talks regularly of promoting local entrepreneurs and also exports.”
He also said that if the then government had supported entrepreneur Upali Wijewaradane who assembled Lanka’s first automobile (Upali Fiat) and other electronics Sri Lanka today would be exporting some of them.
He however thanked the government for enforcing an import ban on TV and maintaining it which prompted them to move into this segment. “Soon we will be looking at exports as well.”
Wickramanayake said that one of the unique features of the first locally assembled SGL Android Smart TV is that it is tropicalized to match Sri Lanka conditions and has featured some of the international brands do not offer. The EWIS factory in Sooriyawewa completed the manufacture of the first batch of Android Smart TVs recently.
Singhagiri (Pvt) Ltd CEO, Lasantha Alwis also thanked the government for implementing an import ban on TV and said this was the main reason for them to join ECL and launch this SGL Android Smart TV which is now available at all Singhagiri showrooms with a comprehensive SGL and EWIS warranty in 43-inch format.”
He said the price is around 25% less than imported TVs and they will soon launch the 32-inch model as well. The TV bearing Singhagiri’s flagship brand SGL is available The TVs come with essential local and international apps such as Teams, Zoom and more. The launch marks the fruition of an agreement signed on March 9 authorizing EWIS Colombo Limited (ECL) to produce TVs under the Singhagiri banner.
“This partnership agreement signed by Singhagiri (Pvt) Ltd and EWIS Colombo Limited marks a breakthrough in Sri Lankan manufacturing history as the first initiative taken to revitalize the country’s lagging economy while improving the prospects for local industry.”
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