Major recognition for DI at Footwear and Leather Fair 2019

 DI winners of the Footwear and Leather Fair Design Competition

• Ceylon Leather Products wins 3 major Design prizes and 12 certificates

A leader in Sri Lanka’s leather footwear and accessories sector, Ceylon Leather Products Ltd., also known as DI, has been recognised with multiple awards at the recently concluded 11th Footwear and Leather Fair 2019.

Held early this year at the BMICH, the annual Footwear and Leather Fair is the industry’s premiere event. Organised by the Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers Association in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Industrial Development Board of Ceylon and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, this event encompasses 230 stalls with over 30,000 visitors every year, including manufacturers, designers and international delegates from India, China, Pakistan and Singapore.

One of the major highlights of the Fair every year is the Design Competition, organised by the Industrial Development Board, which hosts a dedicated pavilion that showcases exciting and innovative designs by talented artisans in the field. Comprising four categories, namely Ladies Footwear, Gents Footwear, Leather Products (Ladies Hand Bags, Travel Bags and Backpacks) and a special category for sandals and slippers for ladies and gents made out of environmental friendly material, this competition is judged by a panel of experienced, senior personalities from the Sri Lankan footwear and leather sector, as well as university lecturers and even a sector assessor assigned by the Tertiary and Vocational Educational Commission. 

Designers representing Ceylon Leather Products Ltd. racked up a major achievement at this prestigious competition, winning more accolades than any other company or individual. Awards received included 1st Prize in the Gents Footwear category, earned by U.G. Thilini Madushika, and 2nd and 3rd Prizes in the Leather Goods and Ladies Footwear categories, respectively, both won by T.A.M. Thilini Kumudu Kumari.  

Designers from Ceylon Leather Products Ltd. also earned a number of Certificates of Merit this year, with U.G. Thilini Madushika, T.A.M. Thilini Kumudu Kumari, W.A. Thanuja Dilrukshi and A.M. Nilmini Priyanka being awarded certificates for Gents Footwear. Additionally, U.G. Thilini Madushika, D.W. Ramani Sanjeewani, C. Nadeeka Priyadarshani (two certificates) and M.K. Krishani Sanjeewani were recognised with certificates for Leather Goods, while W.A. Thanuja Dilrukshi (two certificates) and A.M. Nilmini Priyanka secured certificates for Ladies Footwear.

A pioneer in the local footwear and accessories since its incorporation in 1939, Ceylon Leather Products Ltd. was set up by the then British Government to manufacture boots, shoes and accessories for the British Armed Forces. Over the years the organisation has been through several transformations and in the process, has established its brand DI as a renowned brand. 

In 2017, the evolving industry and the futuristic vision of Ceylon Leather Products resulted in its metamorphosis, resulting in a completely new brand outlook as well as it being adapted as more of a lifestyle brand catering to emerging consumer aspirations and changing generational and retail dynamics. The new DI logo, which was revamped to add a degree of modernity and enhance visibility, portraying stability and professionalism, was launched as part of the process. The vibrant background colour added a trendy, dynamic feel to the brand. The brand also unveiled its new brand slogan ‘I love it’. In addition to this, web and social media platforms were developed to enhance the brand and interact with its global consumers. 

Aligned to this revival, several showrooms too underwent a transformation to suit the brand personality, and opened doors to a refreshing range of new designs in the forms of ladies’ and gents’ footwear, children’s shoes, and a variety of accessories and gift items. Amidst these new offerings, the brand continued to enhance its core offering of leather-based products known for its quality and durability thus retaining its core segmental offering. 

Ceylon Leather Products Ltd. is a subsidiary of Ambeon Holdings PLC – a listed Group Holding and Management company with successes in companies such as Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, South Asia Textile Industries Ltd., Colombo City Holdings PLC, Royal Fernwood Porcelain Ltd., Taprobane Capital Plus Ltd. and Millennium Information Technologies Ltd. The Ambeon Group is powered and guided by the renowned corporate giants – the Galle Face Hotel Group, the Hirdaramani Group and Navitas Investment. The Group is managed by top corporate personality and renowned Industry veteran Murali Prakash as its Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.