Enterprise: Asiri Lanka Footwear (Pvt) Ltd

Founder: Ajith Perera

Industry: Manufacturers of Leather Shoes                                                                                                                        

Year it was founded: 1990                                                                                                                   

Location: Kadawatha, Kirillawala

Where there is no purpose in life, the best and strongest purpose is found. But facing that moment and conquering life with a new purpose is not as easy as you think. But there are many successful businessmen who have conquered life in this way in our country. The Managing Director of Asiri Lanka Footwear (Pvt) Ltd., Ajith Perera, is a person as such. So, this conversation with him is very interesting and will undoubtedly be a conversation that guides your life.

1. How did Asiri Lanka Footwear (Pvt) Ltd started?

In 1990, after completing the GCE Ordinary Level Examination, there was a time when I was very uncertain about what I would do next. At this point, my father helped me find a purpose. By then, he was working as a highly qualified orthopaedic footwear technician. He took me to his shoe factory and started teaching me the shoe making process and techniques. My first product was three pairs of sandals produced with an investment of Rs.250/-. I was able to sell it at a substantial profit. It is the journey that started that has successfully reached till now.

2. Let's recall some of the memorable milestones in the journey which was started with 03 pairs of shoes till now, shall we?

Yes. Every day and every step of this journey is a memory I will never forget. To mention a few of them, I first invested a small amount of money and started manufacturing shoes as a sole venture. Later in 1996 I registered the business as a joint venture with my two brothers and mother and with their help I was able to gradually increase the production volume.

In the year 1999, I studied a diploma in footwear design conducted by a German NGO and with the knowledge I gained, I was able to add new designs to the market and new ideas to the business. Along the way, we were able to incorporate the business as a limited liability company in 2002.

3. How is the demand for your brand's products so far?

We are currently supplying leather shoes manufactured under our brand K-Thomas to Bata, Namal Balachandra, Thilakawardena Shoes, Shoe Kingdom, Leather Kingdom and most recently under the bidding process we also manufacture office shoes for government agencies such as Sri Lanka Excise Department, Sri Lankan Air Lines and Department of Aviation. Also, we recently launched Ostrich Leather Shoes and opened our new showroom at Navam Mawatha.

4. How does your business differ from other competing businesses?

We manufacture high quality, technically perfect, durable and comfortable leather shoes. That is our uniqueness from inception.

5. What challenges have you faced in this journey and are you facing any at present?

For further improvement of our products, we must start using more advanced and new technology. I incurring huge costs for such projects is a major challenge.

6. Shall we talk about your future business dream?

It is our dream to bring the "K Thomas" brand to international level to compete with internationally renowned brands. Also, providing high quality leather shoes at an affordable price to the local market is another business dream of ours.

7. How was the support received from Commercial Bank during your journey?

We appreciate the tremendous support that Commercial Bank has always given to us since 2004 to date. We expect more support and financial support from the bank in future and looking forward for a longer journey together.

8. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Working with a long-term plan and maintaining product quality will help you to create an undisputedly successful brand.

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