DSI Sri Lanka: Comprehensive Overview of Leading Footwear Manufacturer
Introduction
DSI (D. Samson Industries Pvt Ltd), a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s footwear industry, exemplifies resilience, quality, and trust. Founded by D. Samson Rajapaksa in the 1960s, DSI has transformed from a modest family business into the preeminent footwear manufacturer and retailer in Sri Lanka.
Company Overview and Nature of Business
DSI operates under the DSI Samson Group, one of Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerates, which has expanded beyond footwear to include interests in rubber manufacturing, finance, and healthcare. As a company, DSI focuses on the manufacturing, distribution, and retail of footwear. It caters to a diverse demographic, providing products that range from children’s school shoes to sophisticated adult footwear, encompassing sports shoes, sandals, and professional footwear.
History and Founding
The company was founded in the early 1960s by Deshamanya D. Samson Rajapaksa. Starting as a small workshop, it grew rapidly in response to the demand for high-quality local footwear. Over the decades, DSI expanded its operations and established itself as a household name in Sri Lanka, synonymous with durability and comfort.
Ownership
DSI remains largely a family-run business, with the Rajapaksa family still at the helm, ensuring the company’s founding values are preserved while steering it through modern market dynamics.
Product Range
DSI’s product range is extensive, covering every need from casual wear to formal shoes. Their catalog includes:
- School shoes
- Casual sneakers
- Formal dress shoes
- Sports footwear
- Sandals and slippers
- Specialty footwear such as orthopedic and safety shoes
Market Presence and Competitors
DSI’s widespread presence is supported by more than 200 showrooms and 4,000 dealers across Sri Lanka. Its main competitors include international brands such as Bata and local manufacturers like BnS, Ceylon Leather Products, and Ranfer. These competitors challenge DSI in different segments, from mass-market footwear to niche, high-end products.
Stock Market Presence
DSI is part of the DSI Samson Group, which is privately held and not listed on the stock market. Thus, it does not have a public stock presence, focusing instead on private growth strategies and reinvestment into its diverse business ventures.
Sales Volume
While specific sales numbers are proprietary, DSI is known to produce several hundred thousand pairs of shoes annually. Its sales volume makes it one of the leaders in the footwear sector in Sri Lanka, with significant penetration in both urban and rural markets.
other companies of DSI SAMSON GROUP
- D Samson Industries (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Manufacturers (Pvt) Ltd
- D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd
- Vechenson (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Rubber Industries (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson International PLC
- Samson Rubber Products (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Compounds (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Reclaim Rubbers Ltd
- Samson Engineers (Pvt) Ltd
- Samtessi Brush Manufacturers (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Rajarata Tiles (Pvt) Ltd
- SRG Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
- Mount Spring Water (Pvt) Ltd
- Werapitiya Hydro Power (Pvt) Ltd
- Hydro Trust Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Group Corporate Services (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Bikes (Pvt) Ltd
- Globe Knitting (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd
- D Tech (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Logistics (Pvt) Ltd
- Primo (pvt) Ltd.
Prominent DSI Showrooms and Outlets in Sri Lanka
DSI shoes are available almost everywhere in the country. Here are some of the prominent locations:
- DSI Showroom Hingurakgoda
- DSI Showroom Polonnaruwa
- DSI Showroom Trincomalee
- DSI Showroom Mullaitivu
- DSI Showroom Jaffna
- DSI Showroom Vavuniya
- DSI Showroom Anuradhapura
- DSI Store Puttalam
- DSI Showroom Negombo
- DSI Showroom Bambalapitiya
- DSI PREMIER Colombo 07
- DSI Factory Outlet Wijerama
- DSI Main Showroom Nugegoda
- DSI Showroom Matara
- DSI Showroom Dehiwela
- DSI Premier Showroom Liberty Plaza
- DSI Showroom Wattala
- DSI Premier Showroom One Galle Face
- DSI Premier – Havelock City Mall
- DSI Outlet Nawinna
- DSI Maharagama
- DSI Direct Factory Outlet
- DSI Showroom Homagama
- DSI Showroom Horana
- D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd Head Office
- DSI Showroom Narahenpita
- DSI Tyre Factory
- DSIFootcandy.lk
- Samson (Exports) (Pvt) Ltd
- Samson Rubber Industries (Pvt) Ltd
Shopping online with DSI Foot Candy online store dsifootcandy.lk
LOCAL BRANDS
- AVI
- Beach
- BEAT
- BEAT PLUS
- Care Plus
- DSI
- DSI SUPERSPORT
- Fun Souls
- ISLANDER
- JESSICA
- Melissa
- Nirogi
- PETALZ
- PICCASO
- Power Fit
- Ranpa
- Royal Wings
- samsons
- Saneepa
- Santa Cruz
- STAR KiDS
- Tamik
- U Softo
- VALENCIA
- Waves
INTERNATIONAL BRANDS
- Adidas
- Asics
- Barbie
- Clarks
- Disney
- FILA
- Hot Wheels
- Marvel
- MODARE
- Moleca
- Molekinha
- PUMA
- Reebok
- Red Tape
- U.S. Polo Assn
- VIZZANO
- Von Wellx
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its status today as a leader in the footwear industry, DSI Sri Lanka has shown remarkable growth and resilience. Its commitment to quality, extensive product range, and deep understanding of the local market continue to drive its success. As DSI looks to the future, it remains dedicated to innovation and excellence, striving to meet the evolving needs of its customers while expanding its market presence both locally and abroad.