Samsung Electronics, the global telecommunication and electronics company, is expanding its mobile phone market share in Sri Lanka, the company said in a press statement this week.

The South Korean company, that reported global consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion in 2009, says it is launching innovative mobile phones in Sri Lanka and has appointed John Keels Office Automation as its national distributor, to strengthen its distriution in the country. The Sri Lankan firm has been appointed the national service franchisee for Sri Lanka. “Even as we continue to excite our Sri Lankan consumers with innovative, contemporary mobile launches, we are also working on developing our distribution and after sales service networks in the country,” said President and CEO of Samsung South West Asia, Jung Soo Shin,

Starting this month, Samsung mobile phones will be available at 500 dealer points in 9 provinces of the island. Samsung mobile phones will also be sold through exclusive outlets of the Telecom Operator networks. The company is also opening up six new Service Centres in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy, followed by Service Centres in Ratnapura, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. It has also introduced its entry level mobile handsets – E1160, E 1175 and E 2130 - in the Sri Lankan market. “We will introduce products in Sri Lanka simultaneous with their introduction in global markets,” said Mr Shin.