Reliable quality, sustained volumes and competitive pricing have been key factors contributing to the success for the footwear & Leather  products  industry in Sri Lanka. Blend of skilful workmanship and natural resources backed by some key factors such as liberal economic climate, Political stability, highly trainable workforce & State- of- art-Technology, excellent compliance record, strategic location has contributed to Sri Lanka being one of the more cost effective manufacturing locations in Asia.

Footwear

The industry at present employs about 20,000 people directly and indirectly, which includes 10 large  companies, 30 medium scale companies and about 3000 small scale manufacturers. Diverse range of modern shoes like canvass and rubber boots, thongs, sports shoes, leather shoes etc. are produced, using a variety of raw material.

Leather
Leather shoes account for a significant proportion of the footwear exported from Sri Lanka. A variety of up market dress shoes, boots and casual shoes in stitched down and cemented construction  are    available for all genders.

Rubber
The rubber boot range consists of children’s boots in attractive colours and designs yachting boots ,fishing
boots, bean boots and boots for a variety of functional purposes including military. A large volume of rubber flip flops (thongs) are produced both for local and export markets

Canvas
Canvas range consist of up market fashion shoes both in cold processed an vulcanized construction Shoes are produced for well known brand names.

Sports
There is a limited production of injection moulded and cold processed sports shoes both for the local market and for exports

EVA
Sri Lanka Produces a range of Eva indoor & outdoor slippers.

Supply position
Present export capacity is 20-30 mn pairs per annum .The export capacity of rubber slippers alone is over 30mn per annum. One of the key advantages enjoyed by the shoe industry is the local availability of high quality natural rubber including sole crepe. Several manufactures have facilities for producing a variety of moulded rubber soles & some factories have facilities for producing unit soles of rubber PVC TPR & PU. In the case of other raw material the industry has access to quality material both locally and from foreign sources.

Country’s footwear Exporters have already established themselves as suppliers of fashion footwear to well known international brands such as Mark & Spencer, Clarks Bentton, Palladium Aerosoles, Geox, Dexter H.H. Browns, Bata France etc.