October 02 2006 (LBO) – Nokia, the world's largest mobile phone maker, has sold over 5,000 handsets equipped with Sinhala language settings and keypads, since they were launched in Sri Lanka last week. Sri Lanka South Asian to offer mobile technologies way back in 1989, and the current 4-million subscriber market is split between Dialog Telekom, Mobitel Lanka, Celltel Lanka Ltd, Hutchison. The telecom regulator is in the process of selecting a fifth operator. Over 70 percent of Sri Lankans speak Sinhalese and Nokia’s local agent Softilogic Communications says the new handsets are proving to be a hit among the locals.
œWe have three Nokia models, the 1110i, 1112 and 1600 for immediate sale and the 2310, 2610 models will be available shortly Nirasha Croos, Assistant Marketing Manager Branding for Softlogic Communications said.
With a starting price tag of 5,700 rupees, the handsets come factory-fitted with Sinhalese keypads, phone menus and settings.
œAt the moment, these phones are available through our 400 odd dealers, island wide Samanthi Weeratunga, Managing Director Softlogic Communications said.
œThe current market share for Nokia in Sri Lanka is about 80
