Microsoft Pledges Support to Foster Local OEM Partners

February, 26, 2016

The company strengthens local partnership with EWIS and Intel Corporation

Microsoft reiterated its commitment and support towards Sri Lankan device manufacturers when Istavan Papp, Vice President of Microsoft Asia Pacific recently met with EWIS together with Indika De Zoysa, Intel Country Manager of Sri Lanka. Microsoft has been supporting local OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) EWIS since 2013 and has committed to strengthen the partnership with the local company in order to build devices that are equipped with the best operating system.

After the meeting, Istvan Papp, Vice President of Microsoft Asia Pacific, thanked EWIS and Intel for fostering such a strong relationship over the years with Microsoft. Explaining the importance of local device partnerships, Mr. Papp said, “Microsoft is continuing to build and grow a vibrant community of people who love and rely on Microsoft experiences, on any device, across all aspects of their daily lives.” He continued: “Our extensive network of local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) partners across the globe helps us deliver a rich Microsoft experience through great devices. I would like to thank EWIS for their commitment and commend their efforts in building a local device manufacturing ecosystem.”

Mr. Sanjeewa A. Wickramanayake, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EWIS said, ““We have a 30-year presence in the local IT industry and it is a great opportunity for us to partner with, and be endorsed by two of the foremost IT organizations in the world, Microsoft and Intel. I would like to thank both corporations for the immense support given to EWIS, and our aspirations to become Sri Lanka’s pioneering device manufacturer.”

EWIS set up a state-of-the-art ODM facility in Sooriyawewa in 2013, partnering with Microsoft and Intel. The facility produces over 500 PCs daily and distributes them to the public and corporate sectors in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager of Intel EM Ltd - Sri Lanka Liaison Office, said, “ At Intel, we are enabling amazing new computing experiences through our latest technologies and brought to market together with the help of our OEM partners. Here in Sri Lanka, we have enjoyed working closely with EWIS over the past 10 years to bring to market innovative new computing devices. We continue to look forward to strengthening our cooperation with Microsoft and EWIS to drive innovation in Sri Lanka’s technology industry.”

Photo Caption : (From left) - Istvan Papp, Vice President of Microsoft Asia Pacific, Brian Kealey, Microsoft Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Sanjeewa A. Wickramanayake, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EWIS, Pubudu Basnayake, OEM Director of Southeast Asia New Markets and Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager of Intel EM Ltd - Sri Lanka Liaison Office