Since the early 90s, Sri Lanka has been lagging in investment in power generation. This has resulted in numerous power cuts over the last 25 years. With the Sampur coal power plant cancelled and the country on the verge of bankruptcy, I don't see this problem ending in the next 20 years. I decided to upgrade my old 2.2KVA Brigs & Stratton generator with more power to maintain my availability.

I first thought of getting a Yamaha generator, but I missed the opportunity. Instead of waiting for the next shipment, I decided to buy a generator in stock. Browns Group was offering Chinese brands, Firman and Lion. Metropolitan Engineering offered Pramac, an Italian brand.

I was interested in the 5KVA to 10KVA range.

Firman by Browns Group

Browns' highest capacity generator on the stock was the Firman 3600ES (rated at 3.2KVA). It had a key start but was barely sufficient to run the house even under a compromise. Considering the price, Firman offered better bang-per-buck w.r.t. its competition.

Pramac by Metropolitan Engineering

I tuned in to Metropolitan Engineering. Given my fondness for Canon products (DSLRs, Printers, and some time back Azus laptops), Metropolitan is a company I have dealt with a lot. My initial impression was disappointing:

• The product is not available online
• Generators are not available through mCenter outlets
• Have to visit Metropolitan Engineering @ Borella Magazine Street office
• Can't pay with a credit card (only cash and bank transfers)
• They won't home deliver the generator
• You have to pick up the generator from Metropolitan Warehouse @ Kotikawatta

If I had a choice, I would have gone elsewhere just as a protest. 🤭

Since I don't deal with cash, I asked if I could make a bank transfer and avoid visiting the office because of the COVID19 situation. The agent agreed to my request and promised to courier the receipts. I made the transfer at about 10 AM. Accounts confirmed the transaction at about 11. But I didn't get the signal to pick up the generator.

At about 2 PM, he pinged me back on WhatsApp and asked for the details of the person who would pick up the generator. I gave him my full name, ID number, vehicle number. He also asked if the generator should be commissioned (oiled and started), and I consented. Just before 5 PM, I picked up the generator from the warehouse.

I am still to receive the receipts (because of the Christmas holidays), but the process went smoothly.

Metropolitan is a decent place to buy a Pramac generator.