CameraLK to expand business

Anushka Gunasinghe

Young entrepreneur, Anushka Gunasinghe, who pioneered CameraLK, an independent photographic and digital retailer in Sri Lanka, in 2010, says the company broke the monopoly in the camera business held by a few large companies, to become the largest independent photographic and digital equipment retailer.

"CameraLK has over 5,000 products in stores across Sri Lanka where one could purchase goods in person or through cameralk.com," he said.

Anushka Gunasinghe told Sunday Observer Business that CameraLK hopes to expand its business across the country and make Sri Lanka a shopping hub in the region .

Excerpts:

Q: A camera is no longer a sophisticated item. How do you see the use of cameras especially among the younger generation today?

A: A camera was a luxury item 4-5 years ago, and only professionals used DSLR cameras. Earlier, the camera business was in the hands of a few companies which sold cameras at high prices. CameraLK broke that monopoly. As soon as a new camera is released in the world market, we make it available in Sri Lanka at competitive prices. Today, the camera has become a device that many people own, and this trend will improve. Some time ago, people were used to a life where they did not have any spare time for hobbies. After the war against terrorism ended, people travelled all over the island without fear and I personally believe that it had a huge impact on photography and many other things in general. People wanted to capture precious moments, and a camera became more a need than a want. Today, people have the option to pick photography as a hobby, as cameras are available at affordable prices. We believe that we brought about that change.

Q: With smart phones and tabs becoming popular among the people don't you think the camera market faces a challenge?

A: No. I honestly don't think it has any impact on photography. The quality of a DSLR cannot be matched through any of these devices and you can't change a lens in a phone, although phone lenses are available today. It all comes down to quality and clarity. Of course people can use their cell phones or tab to capture a picture. People do it all the time, but can you really frame and hang it? or use it on an album, most probably not.

Q: Although several inventions are replacing the camera, professionals continue to use sophisticated and state-of-the-art cameras in their work. How do you analyse the use of professional cameras in Sri Lanka?

A: The photography field is an open market with no barriers whatsoever. Anyone can enter it, but what keeps you in the industry is creativity, innovation and dedication. Many people own DSLR cameras but they are not all photographers. Being a photographer means much more than owning imaging equipment.

Q: How do you see the camera market in Sri Lanka. Which brand takes the lead and does the trend change from time to time?

A: I cannot say what is the best brand, because there are several great cameras. The brand has become a personal choice. However, there are three main brands, that are trending in Sri Lanka - Nikon, Canon and Sony. Nikon and Canon are equally popular at present and Sony is the emerging brand.

Q: What are your plans to introduce the latest cameras to the Sri Lankan market at competitive prices and train photographers to use the equipment?

A: As I said earlier, we've been privileged to make world-class equipment available in Sri Lanka no sooner it is released on the world market for the past couple of years and will continuously work to bring in everything and anything that's out there for local photographers.Every month we provide free workshops on all the new gadgets and equipment and everyone who purchases a camera, receives free, three hours of training on their new gear.

Q: Although many photographers in Sri Lanka have professional skills thet have problems in purchasing good cameras and accessories such as lenses. How can you help these photographers to access the latest equipment?

A: That is not the case any more. The CameraLK Colombo showroom is one of the largest showrooms in South Asia and we are the authorised dealer and distributor for many world-class equipment. Local cameramen now have access to anything and everything like any other country.

Q: Sri Lanka is becoming a shopping hub in the region. The Government is also promoting this concept with the assistance of the private sector and foreign investors. How will CameraLK fit in with this concept?

A: Actually, we are enjoying the concept. It is beneficial for all local businesses like ours and creates more demand for our products and services, not just cameras, but in general for everything. I think this is a good starting point.