Posted on 15 November, 2014
DSI has launched “Salvio” diabetes shoe collection at Annual Academic Session of College of Surgeons Sri Lanka which was held from 20th to 23rd August 2014 at Cinnamon Garand Hotel, Colombo.
With the memorandum of understanding which was officially signed between The Sri Lanka Medical Association, Nirogi Lanka Project and the DSI Group on development of proper low cost diabetic footwear in the footwear industry DSI as the market leader has launched this shoe range with identified potential in the market.
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 26 January, 2015
This Australia Day we warmly extend our greetings and best wishes to the government and people of Australia.
Happy Australia Day !
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 29 July, 2015
Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) and D. Samson Industries (DSI) have signed a research agreement with a view to adding value to the DSI footwear product range.
SLINTEC is a public-private partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka and six private companies, namely MAS Holdings, Brandix, Dialog, Hayleys, Loadstar and Lankem. One of its key directives is to enhance competitiveness of the products of the local industries in the global market, using nanotechnology and advance technologies.
DSI is the market leader in manufacturing, retailing and one of the leading exporters of footwear in Sri Lanka. It is also the first local shoe manufacturing plant to receive ISO 9001- 2008 quality certification. Also DSI SAMSON GROUP currently working with University of Moratuwa and University of Colombo for several Research and Development projects.
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 22 October, 2015
The Awarding Ceremony of the DSI ‘Sithuvili’ Art Competition was held on the 11th of October 2015 at the BMICH in the grandest of fashions. The chief guest at the ceremony was His Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, the President of Sri Lanka along with the Ministers & other dignitaries. All present in order to show their support to a most worthy cause. Dr. Sam Rajapaksa, Chairman of the DSI Samson Group, Mr Kulathunga Rajapaksa, Managing Director of the DSI Samson Group, Mr Nandadasa Rajapaksa, Chairman of D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd, the board of directors and the senior management of the DSI Samson Group were all present at the ceremony along with their families. The concept of ‘Sithuvili’ first materialized in 1990 to help children express themselves by way of art, and distract them from the hatred and violence they are exposed to in the world. The initial DSI ‘Sithuvili’ Art Competition was conducted in 1992, which attracted 42,000 entries from schools around the island. The total sum of gifts for participants this year was increased to Rs. 6,000,000/= with the best entries being awarded special certificates as well. In celebration of its 25th anniversary this year the competition was open to students all around the island and as a result of this, the number of entries exceeded a total of 100,000. Speaking at the event, Mr. Nandadasa Rajapaksa, the Chairman of D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd stated; “A child’s mind is a heaven. But when the child grows up that same mind becomes a prison. Should a child bear the burden of this misfortune? No. Is it not the responsibility of the adults? We at DSI undertake such programs to ensure that the world of our children stays a heaven even when they become adults” while Mr. Kulatunga Rajapaksa the Managing Director of the DSI Samson Group said, “The goal of this business venture is to create new innovations in a new world while at the same time ensuring the protection of our core values”. His Excellency offered the DSI Samson Group his heartiest congratulations and commendations on the success of the competition and exhibition. Driven by innovation, adaptation and a keen sense of responsibility, combined with customer service excellence, high business ethics and a committed workforce for over 52 years, the DSI Samson Group is among the country’s premier business conglomerates and is the leading manufacturer of footwear and bicycle tires in Sri Lanka. While drawing strength and support from the community as a responsible corporate, the projects that the company has undertaken across the country, reflect on the measures taken for the wellbeing of society and the company's commitment towards being a responsible corporate citizen. The winners under the All-Island category were: Grade 2 – 3 Jeremy Semitha De Silva of St Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, Grade 4 – 5 I.D Thulasha Jayodhi Dayarathne of Bandaranayake Girls School, Ampara, Grade 6 – 8 S.S.V Kavishka Maduranga of Dikkovita Shasthraloka College, Wattala, Grade 9 – 11 H.G Avishka Eshan De Silva of NCEF Buddhist College, Mulleriyawa New Town and Grade 12 – 13 W. Niluka Priyadarshani Wimalasena of Galenbidunuwewa Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 21 September, 2018
We would like to congratulate Mr. Rohan Somawansa who is a Director of the companies Globe Knitting (Pvt) Ltd & Samson Trading (Pvt) Ltd for being appointed as the President of Asia Marketing Federation.
Posted by Corporate News
The DSI Samson Group announces changes within its board
Posted on 11 December, 2018
The highly diverse and respected business entity the DSI Samson Group announced the appointment of Mr. Kulathunga Rajapaksa as its new Chairman and Mr. Ranatunga Rajapaksa as its Managing Director. This follows the retirement of Mr. Sam Rajapaksa who served as the group’s chairman for the last 35 years. These appointments will be effective as of 19th November 2018.
Kulathunga Rajapaksa who holds a B.Sc. (Hon.) from the University of Peradeniya, is a popular and widely respected business leader, who has been the group’s managing director for the past 35 years. He is a past president of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products and a President of the Sri Lanka Footwear Association. He has also served as a council member of many prestigious universities. He is currently an Executive Committee member of the National Chamber of Exports of Sri Lanka.
Further, he is also a Director of the Mawbima Lanka Padanama and serves as a member of the advisory board of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress.
Ranatunga Rajapaksa, who succeeds Mr. Kulathunga Rajapaksa as Group Managing Director, is an Engineer by profession with vast experience in the fields of Rubber Technology & other Engineering fields. He counts over 46 years in the manufacture of Footwear & Rubber Products. He has been instrumental in taking the DSI Brand Globally. Under his Leadership many Companies in the Group won first places in Presidential Export Awards for many consecutive years. In addition to this companies also received Gold Awards from NCE in the Fields of International Sales with a coveted Award of “ Best Brand Exporter” .
He has been able to make the “DSI” Brand being the undisputed Market Leader in the fields of two Wheeler & Three Wheeler Tyre segments in the Domestic Market. Mr. Ranatunga Rajapaksa also makes a significant contribution to the Sri Lankan Business Community by engaging with Several Trade Chambers & various Business Councils. He has held the Presidency of Sri Lanka Canada Business Council for few years.
Driven by innovation, adaptation and a keen sense of responsibility, combined with customer service excellence, sound business ethics and a committed and professional work force for over 52 years, the DSI Samson Group is proudly acknowledged as one of the country’s premier business conglomerate. The group enjoys an enviable leadership position in the manufacturer of footwear and bicycles tyres.
As a significant and sustained effort towards Sri Lanka’s export drive, the group manufactures and exports its wide portfolio of products to demanding markets in more than 40 countries across the world. It is also the local representative for international brands such as Reebok, Fila, Clarks and Puma. 22 subsidiaries within the group successfully service local and international markets, whilst the footwear retail wing offers more than 200 exclusive DSI showrooms that are supported by a network of 5000 dealers, island wide. The group is also among an exclusive list of Sri Lanka’s largest, family owned organisations.
The DSI Samson Group warmly welcomes Mr. Kulathunga Rajapaksa and Mr. Ranatunga Rajapaksa and wish them well as they steer the organisation towards a new and exciting phase of development under their astute leadership and guidance.
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 12 December, 2018
Mr. D. Ranatunga Rajapaksa was appointed as DSI Samson Group’s Managing Director . Newly appointed MD commenced work on 03rd December 2018 at DSI Head Office. DSI staff organized a lavish welcome to wish his new appointment. Newly appointed MD, Mr. Ranatunga Rajapaksa’s guidance will be instrumental for the DSI Group to expand its boundaries.
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 25 February, 2019
Samson Compounds (Pvt) Ltd will be showcasing the latest range of Continuous Rubber sheeting solutions at Domotex USA 2019 which will be held from 28th February to 2nd March at Georgia world congress Center Atlanta, Georgia. Visit us at exhibition hall A-2, booth number 255.
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 23 April, 2019
National flags were lowered and staff bowed their heads as DSI observed 3 minutes of silence on the 23rd April 2019 as an act of respect to the victims of the Easter Sunday attack.
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 9 January, 2020
Dr. Kulathunga Rajapaksa, Emeritus Chairman of the DSI Samson Group and respected business leader who was conferred with the honorary title ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was recently bestowed with a second honorary Doctorate. This was a ‘Doctorate of Letters’ conferred by the University of Westminister UK. Both doctorates were in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Sri Lanka’s business community, which also took into account his visionary leadership in making the DSI Samson Group the respected and successful business conglomerate it is today.
Dr. Kulathunga Rajapaksa is an accomplished entrepreneur and a pragmatic leader. He is a popular and well-known business leader who has won many prestigious business accolades including the award for ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’. Prior to his recent appointment as Chairman, he was the group Managing Director of the DSI Samson Group for the past 35 years, during which time the Group saw rapid development and diversification.
During his formative years in business, he was fortunate to work closely with his father and founder of the DSI Samson Group, the late Mr. D Samson Rajapaksa. This enabled him to inculcate the vision, identity and philosophy of the founder into the core values of the organisation.
In addition to giving astute leadership to a group of successful and diverse business enterprises, he also divides his time in contributing to important national interests. Whilst being a popular and astute speaker at many business forums, he is widely respected for his perceptive business acumen and understanding on current business affairs. He is a past president of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products and a President of the Sri Lanka Footwear Association. He has also served as an honorary council member of many prestigious universities.
He is currently an Executive Committee member of the National Chamber of Exports of Sri Lanka and is a Director of the Mawbima Lanka Padanama. He also serves as a member of the Advisory board of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress.
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 25 September, 2020
DSI Group was recognized at the Bestweb 2020 awards competition (https://www.bestweb.lk/) organized by the LK domain registry and the DSI group website won the following awards:
Corporate Category:
1. Gold - Best Tamil website
2. Merit - Best corporate website
Posted by Corporate News
Posted on 8 May, 2021
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Sri-Lanka based footwear and tire manufacturer and retailer DSI Samson Group (Private) Limited (DSG) at 'AA(lka)'. The Outlook is Stable.
The affirmation and Stable Outlook reflect Fitch's belief that DSG will maintain sufficient liquidity and healthy operating performance in the next one to two years such that its leverage and fixed-charge coverage will remain adequate for its rating.
The 'AA(lka)' rating reflects DSG's market leadership in the highly fragmented and competitive footwear retailing space, which is supported by an island-wide network of 200 outlets and its in-house manufacturing. DSG is also a market leader in the domestic two-wheeler and three-wheeler tire segments. The high competition in these segments is counterbalanced by recurring demand for most of DSG's footwear and tire products. Read More : https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-affirms-dsi-samson-group-at-aa-lka-outlook-stable-05-05-2021
Posted by Corporate News
DSI Samson Group
No. 110
Kumaran Rathnam Road
Colombo 02
Sri Lanka.
T: +94 (0)11 21 31 800
F: +94 (0)11 21 31 777
E: info@dsi.lk (General)
