CEO, Mr. Shafraz Hamzadeen carries a computer |
A locally manufactured computer launched recently will facilitate Sri Lanka's achievement of its ICT objectives, according to the country's Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Tissa Vitharana MP. This includes the goal of an ICT literacy rate of 60% by 2012, up from an estimated 25% in 2009.
This emerged at the launch of the EZY SLIMTOP, a netbook which comprises an Intel Atom 945 GCLF 1.6 GHz processor, 80 GB hard drive, 1 GB DDR2 memory and a 16" LCD monitor, all priced at Rs. 29,990 (not including speakers and DVD/CD drives). The EZY product line also includes laptops (priced at Rs. 44,500.00), as well as eventually offering home, office and tablet personal computers, and gaming- and outdoor-versions.
Manufactured locally at a plant in Ratmalana by Dubai-based EZY Infotech, this product is said to be the culmination of five years of development, a US$ 7 million investment in the country, and a low cost operating system which has allowed a 2% operating expenses whereas industry standards are usually 5%, a factor realized due to an entirely local workforce. Further, the company plans to use Sri Lanka as both a manufacturing and sales hub for SAARC and other Asian markets, and is already reporting a sale of 1,000 units to Pakistan. |
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