Intel Enables Through Technical Assistance to EWIS
HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka: EWIS PC manufacturing plant set to offer new wave of ICT jobs in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota. Recently at an event Hon. Member of Parliament, Namal Rajapaksa handed out the factory’s first set of appointment orders to 50 local youth.
Speaking at the event Hon. MP Namal Rajapaksa outlined the country’s ICT vision for 2015 wherein the government aimed at growing the IT literacy rate from 35% in 2012 to 75% and increase broadband access from 12% in 2012 to 60% by 2015. Through this the government intended to create 80,000 knowledge based jobs and boost ICT based export earnings from US$ 40mn to US$1bn by 2015.
“The government is working closely with the private sector towards realizing the goal of turning Sri Lanka into a regional IT hub. This PC manufacturing plant being setup by EWIS takes us closer to realizing our goal,” said Hon. MP Namal Rajapaksa. “Bringing ICT jobs to areas outside of Colombo, the factory will open a whole new world of opportunities to the youth of Hambantota. Partnering with tech giants like Intel, EWIS’s project will also help bring in world class technology and manufacturing practices to the country,” he added.
Sanjeewa Wickramanayake, the Chairman / CEO of the EWIS Group said, “Encouraged by the Government’s commitment to drive economic development and education across the country through ICT and the market’s growth potential, we decided to setup this manufacturing facility.” Commenting on the technical assistance being offered by Intel, he added, “We have always worked closely with our partners such as Intel to provide the most relevant technology solutions to the citizens of Sri Lankan. Given the size and nature of this project, Intel’s global expertise and knowhow will go a long way in helping us to achieve success.”
The 25,000 Sq Ft facility spread over a 3 acre property in Sooriyawewa would come under EWIS Colombo Limited – a BOI company setup for this purpose. Providing direct employment to over 250 locals, the plant would be equipped to manufacture a wide range of computing devices including Tablets, Notebooks, Convertibles, All-in-Ones and conventional desktops.
EWIS being a valued member of the Intel® Education Alliance, which is a global effort across 70+ countries and with over 500 education partners, initial focus of the factory will be to manufacture products from the Intel Education Solutions product suite such as the Intel Classmate PC. These products are purpose built to meet the needs of students in emerging economies.
“Around the world, Intel makes every effort to provide its partners with the right products and skills to help them provide their customers with appropriate solutions. Having worked with EWIS for over 10 years, we are glad to be able to offer our technical assistance to their new manufacturing plant. Such local manufacturing units have immense potential and we look forward to working with EWIS on this venture.” said Indika de Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited.
About EWIS: E-W Information Systems Ltd. is one of the country´s largest system integrators. A non-aligned service provider, the company has expanded its horizons in order to design the most cost effective IT solution using unique combination of systems from a host of IT giants that it represents.Additional information about EWIS is available atewisl.net
About Intel: Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com, blogs.intel.com and http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education-solutions/technology-to-classroom.html.
Photo caption: Hon. MP Namal Rajapaksa handing over an appointment order while Sanjeewa Wickramanayake, Chairman / CEO of the EWIS Group and Indika de Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited look on