A revolutionary debut – branded Kebellawa safety shoes by DSI Footwear – redefines foot safety in the workplace

 Q: What is the organisation’s value proposition to the safety footwear market in Sri Lanka?
A: D. Samson Industries (DSI) – positioned as the number one footwear manufacturer in Sri Lanka – believes that its responsibility is to be the pioneer in introducing quality footwear to the Sri Lankan market.

We have led the way in introducing an international standard safety footwear range and ensured that our designs meet ISO standards for personal protective footwear. The novel product ranges are manufactured to protect the Sri Lankan workforce from potential foot injuries.

Building on the R&D success born from the company’s pioneering spirit, the innovative value added products are available under the Kebellawa brand.

Q: What makes Kebellawa safety shoes different to other products?
A: We do not compromise quality for cheaper prices. Kebellawa safety shoes and PVC Wellington boots are said to be the only products that comply with the EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20346:2014 standards respectively in Sri Lanka.

Q: And what benefits can users enjoy by wearing Kebellawa safety shoes?
A: The products have been designed by incorporating international standard safety features such as being water repellent and breathable, together with tear resistant genuine leather upper sections, padded collars to provide maximum comfort, impact and compression resistant and anti-corrosive steel toe caps, and slip resistant cleated outsoles, manufactured by using fuel, abrasion and hydrolysis resistant lightweight polyurethane (PU) material.

Additionally, the shoes have anti-static properties, penetration resistant steel middle plates, energy absorption heels and moulded in socks for extra comfort.

Q: How can Kebellawa safety shoes assist the healthcare sector in the context of the pandemic?
A: Our newest addition to the safety wear market is the range of PVC Wellington boots. It serves as an ideal solution for professionals engaged in the healthcare sector – especially given that the COVID-19 pandemic is presently in its most dangerous phase.

The new range of PVC Wellington boots is a timely introduction since this is a Sri Lankan product that’s internationally certified for offering maximum protection from health complications that arise due to the pandemic.

Q: In your opinion, how is the introduction of the Kebellawa brand likely to impact the national economy?
A: Sri Lanka imports approximately 116,000 pairs of safety shoes and PVC boots a year, incurring an annual expenditure of Rs. 203 million.

The industrial safety footwear market’s performance can be credited to the rising demand for products in the construction industry, increasing compliance regulations in the manufacturing sector, and greater adoption of health and safety measures in the healthcare segment.

As a local manufacturer, DSI has provided over 3,000 employment opportunities in its footwear plants, and an additional 5,000 indirect jobs by way of subcontracting and support services.

Q: What message do you wish to convey to the sector?
A: I humbly request all decision makers in the sector to join hands with Kebellawa to ensure their employees’ safety and offer support in the endeavour to build Sri Lankan brands.

And I believe that users will revel in the quality and comfort provided by Kebellawa.

Our long-term plan has been set in motion to offer these products to international buyers in the near future.

– Compiled by Randheer Mallawaarachchi
INTERVIEWEE DETAILS
Kasun Rajapaksa
Managing Director
COMPANY DETAILS
Telephone:2131800
Email:info@dsi.lk
Website:www.dsi.lk