Metropolitan shows the way:

Empowering people through latest technology

Harshini PERERA

Metropolitan has taken the modern art of work to rural areas long before there was accessibility to technology not only in Colombo but also other areas of the country, Metropolitan Director/CEO-Regions, Taslim I. Rahaman said.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q: The accessibility of a product to everyone is important in the modern context. How have you addressed it?

A: Even when the war was at its peak we have been serving to almost all the districts of the country including Jaffna and the Eastern area.

It is not only about the accessibility but also the productivity that it generates. We have been able to provide the suitable, efficient products to a number of industries.

We catered to the Universities and Government Offices in Jaffna where the local staff is deployed. We generated job opportunities and paid due taxes to the local councils.

At present, there is money circulation in the local economy and the customer pays the same price for a product without any added cost.

Q: What was the growth you had for last year?

A: We had an enormous growth in the Canon brand last year. We were recognized as the company for growth and marketing excellence in South Asian region by Canon Singapore. We achieved a 300 percent growth due to the outstanding branding and distribution strategies.

Despite the difficult economy in the region last year, we opened up three regional outlets. The business volume in IT sector doubled. The Camera sales volume has grown substantially.

Q: How did you have such growth despite the effects of the economic recession?

A: We considered the time not as a difficult time for business but closely looked at their efficiency. So, we knew that those products can be more efficient and we were able to give them business solutions to satisfy the customer's needs. We could exploit lot of opportunities. We used a marketing strategy in improving the skills and knowledge of our customers. Without conducting product launches we conducted seminars, workshops and programs to enhance their competency.

By doing that we were able to address their needs better because they appreciated our products better after being educated of the benefits the products return.

Q: How do you cater to the Northern and Eastern areas?

A: We have invested more on Jaffna outlets because we think that we have an obligation to support our customers.

We have an office in Trincomalee where we have based marketing and technical staff. Apart from that, we ensure the price stabilization and a comfortable after service. By doing that we have ensured customer's trust and confidence.

We have set up service centres in those areas where our growth is strong in the IT sector. Our growth will contribute to the Government process as well.

Q: How do you compete with the counterparts in the industry?

A: The competition in the market is aggressive. It is good for a company. In this industry one has to be innovative, keep developing the products.

We set the standards and benchmark for services and features we introduced for the products.

Q: Where does Sri Lanka stand in adopting new technology compared to the other countries in the region?

A: Parallel to other countries, the import of new technology is available in Sri Lanka as well. There is no reason why we should be deprived of. The market has always been privileged to get the latest products. Metropolitan has been the pioneer to bring in new technology with innovation.

Q: What are the after services that you provide for customers?

A: We give our customers the manufacturer's warranty and support with preventive maintenance to make the machinery run smoothly. We support them with necessary education and recommendation to go for the original.

All equipment that we sell is backed by a technical division and we offer a service contract during the period.

Q: What are the areas you will target a growth the following years?

A: Tourism will be a sector which will have a growth surpassing others. We are therefore geared to conduct several programs that will support the influx of tourists to Sri Lanka.

We have already implemented programs such as the support given to Dalada Maligawa media unit, Heritage TV to work on a PDF version of Primates in Sri Lanka with the collaboration of Tourism Promotions Bureau.

Q: What are your future plans and new promotions?

A: We expect to start projects related to tourism providing livelihood opportunity for rural youth.

We want to introduce a new category of cameras for professional video equipment for broadcasting media. It is expected that this will be useful for advertising, film and sports training personnel.

We expect to expand on the regional offices and to focus more on consumer approach. We want to make Metropolitan the No.1 brand for office and consumer category.

Q: What is your advice to young people who aim to climb the corporate ladder?

A: To be passionate and sincere about what they do. They have to work smart and there is no shortcut to success. I don't think that there is something called luck but taking opportunities.

Q: What is your philosophy in life?

A: To be an honest and caring person. I want to be fair for everyone and develop people.

Q: What is the country you like to visit?

A: Singapore

Q: What is the place you like to stay in Sri Lanka?

A: My home

Q: How do you spend your leisure?

A: Watching TV and reading