Microsoft partner EWIS sets up country’s 1st state-of-the-art PC manufacturing plant
Monday, 5 August 2013 00:50
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Microsoft OEM partner, EWIS, a groundbreaker in the field of IT in Sri Lanka, set a significant milestone with the setting up of the country’s first PC manufacturing plant in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, bringing the country another step closer to its goal of becoming the IT hub of Asia as outlined in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ policy.
In tandem with massive development projects taking place in the Hambantota District, EWIS set up the PC manufacturing facility in Sooriyawewa, opening a new window of opportunity for the Sri Lankan economy.
The 25,000 square ft facility is a partnership between EWIS and Microsoft and is aimed at manufacturing tablet PCs, laptop computers and desktop computers to fulfil the growing demand for innovative yet affordable computers in Sri Lanka as well as in the Asia Pacific region.
Production at the plant commenced in July 2013 and it is estimated to create 250 job opportunities for rural youth in the field of new high-tech manufacturing, in the first phase of its operation.
The plant is also the only computer production facility in Sri Lanka that has been accredited as a Microsoft OEM named partner. The factory is equipped to manufacture PCs of varying form factors which will cater to multiple segments in the country such as private, public and education sectors who have different IT requirements.
EWIS Colombo Ltd. General Manager Rajitha De Silva commenting on the new plant said: “We have always believed and invested in the right research and development of technology, driving innovation and this plant is testimony to that. Education is a key area of focus for us and we support the Government’s endeavours to create a knowledge economy, equipping students with 21st century skills.”
In line with this thinking, EWIS has joined hands with Microsoft Sri Lanka to advance the IT landscape in Sri Lanka and increase digital access to all students while adding value to the local economy. The General Manager says that a sizable proportion of PCs, manufactured at the Sooriyawewa plant will go into Government schools. This will provide the opportunity for EWIS to introduce state-of-the-art Microsoft software products to local students across the country.
Microsoft Sri Lanka, which is a forerunner in Public-Private Partnerships with the Ministry of Education and the private sector, will support EWIS in this endeavour. Microsoft will provide software to EWIS under its ‘Shape the Future Program’ with the aim of empowering local students in the field of IT.
Microsoft Sri Lanka OEM Director Poojitha Rajapakse, commenting on EWIS being chosen as a Named account, said: “Named account status is a very specific program enabling local PC manufactures to attach Windows operating system and Office Suites to their computers. There are less than 30 local PC manufactures in the Asia Pacific region signed as Named accounts and we are very pleased to announce that EWIS is now one of them.”Microsoft has already benefited local students through its various educational programs in a significant manner. Over nine years, the company, under its ‘Partners in Learning Program’ contributed immensely to the education sector through multiple Memorandums of Understanding with the Ministry of Education.
To date the majority of schools in Sri Lanka run on a Windows platform whilst making use of global programs such as Innovative Teachers and Students Competition, Innovative Schools Program, free developer software through DreamSpark and teacher training on productivity tools, which enable them to access world-class technology.
