Ikman.lk launches website for classified advertising

"We launched the first free classified website, enabling Sri Lankans to access their daily needs online. The website offers a comprehensive list of products ranging from mobile phones and cars to land in all major cities across Sri Lanka," Ikman.lk CEO, Nils Hammar said. "This simple, easy and cost-effective classified service is set to revolutionise the classifieds industry", he said.

"We provide a platform for trade to take place and do not get involved in the transaction. Our revenue model for the future will be premium advertising space and it is available free at present," he said.

"There will be a tri-lingual site to encourage more users. We are focusing on mobile browsing. This is to take advantage of the shifting trend from desk top to mobile which has become a primary method of accessing data.The company is supported by a team in Sweden and Dubai is the central hub for marketing," he said.

The company operates in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It has identified Sri Lanka as one of its main sites. Efforts have been made to make the service suit the country", he said.

"We are confident that this service will be popular as internet penetration and the economy is growing. This trend will continue and will increase business for web products. The online classifieds drives internet adaptation and Ikman.lk will be a part of the shift to online use in Sri Lanka," Hammar said.

'Ikman.lk classifieds is the company's first product to be launched in Sri Lanka. With over 2.5 million internet users in the country, Ikman.lk aims to provide a credible website for buyers and sellers to interact.

"Owing to the growing use of mobile internet in Sri Lanka, the Ikman.lk team have also launched a mobile site. The mobile site is available in two versions for both new and older mobile phone models, ensuring that more consumers benefit from the site's services, which are available in all three languages", a spokesman for the company said.

Hammar said, "The Sri Lankan market is developing at a phenomenal rate.

With the increase in internet use in the country, we have plenty of opportunity. As the country continues to grow and develop, Ikman.lk will grow parallel to it.

The internet is introduced at school level is widely used in most homes and by mobile phone users."

"We saw an opportunity to introduce something different, interesting and beyond traditional classified advertising, to the local market. The Ikman.lk interface is easy-to-use and convenient for both sellers and buyers. We are optimistic about the Sri Lankan market and we want to be a part of the growth that the country is experiencing."

SJ