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
