Samsung Sri Lanka, the country’s no. 1 electronics brand, in collaboration with the esteemed Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, successfully concluded an insightful webinar titled “A Smart Consumer”. This engaging virtual event, held on the 23rd of June, 2023, aimed to empower consumers with the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions when purchasing essential and other items, particularly in light of the current economic uncertainties.
The webinar featured renowned industry experts such as Singer Sri Lanka, CEO – Mahesh Wijewardene, Softlogic Sri Lanka, Executive Director – Ranjan Perera, Samsung Sri Lanka, Head of MX (Mobile) Division – Thushara Rathnaweera and was moderated by Clootrack Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan, President – Dr. Rohantha Athukorala. Together, the seasoned speakers were able to provide insights on various aspects of smart consumerism, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Setting the stage for the event, Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, President of Clootrack Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan, addressed the challenges faced by Sri Lankan consumers due to currency depreciation and economic uncertainty. He emphasized that amidst these challenges, the share of voice among brands has continued to rise, underscoring the critical importance of consumer awareness.
As the first panelist, Mahesh Wijewardene, CEO of Singer Sri Lanka, shed light on the qualities and characteristics of a smart consumer. He emphasized the significance of understanding financial responsibility, affordability, conducting thorough research, making informed decisions, and being well-versed in consumer rights and protections. Wijewardene also stressed the importance of secure shopping policies to ensure a seamless consumer experience and foster trust between brands and customers.
Thushara Rathnaweera, Head of MX (Mobile) Division Sri Lanka, delved into the responsibility of brands in providing genuine products and safeguarding consumers from fraudulent devices. He highlighted the need for brands to offer appropriate warranties, ensuring that consumers are protected from potential harm caused by unauthorized dealers or insecure after-sales services.
Ranjan Perera, Executive Director of Softlogic Sri Lanka, added further thoughts to the webinar by emphasizing the indispensability of essential electronics such as mobile phones and refrigerators in today’s world. He underscored that these items should not be viewed as luxury goods but rather as essential tools for everyday life. Perera acknowledged the challenges faced by consumers in a declining economy, where the cheapest option often becomes the only viable choice. However, he cautioned against the risks associated with purchasing from unauthorized dealers, as this can lead to challenges and investments gone astray.
Through this webinar, Samsung Sri Lanka, as a leader in the consumer electronics industry, reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing genuine warranties for all its electronics, mobile devices, and wearables. The company stressed the importance of purchasing Samsung products exclusively through authorized dealers, emphasizing that this guarantees a seamless and secure customer experience, safeguarding consumers’ investments.
The interactive session concluded with participants gaining invaluable insights into becoming smart consumers and understanding their rights and protections when making informed purchasing decisions. Samsung Sri Lanka and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce expressed their utmost gratitude to the distinguished speakers and participants for their active engagement and significant contributions, which greatly contributed to the resounding success of the event. Samsung remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, offering a wide range of innovative consumer electronics, mobile devices, and wearables. The company is dedicated to delivering products and services that not only enhance the lives of its customers but also uphold the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
In Sri Lanka, Samsung has been recognized as the ‘People’s Youth Choice Brand of the Year’ for four consecutive years by SLIM Sri Lanka’s review of the country’s most valuable brands. As Sri Lanka’s No.1 smartphone brand, Samsung’s customer base in the country spans across all age groups, particularly the Gen Z and Millennial segments.