Samson Rajarata tiles – A successful Lankan technical creation

A challenger of the properties of a traditional roofing tile, the Samson Rajarata tile can be referred to as a successful technical creation developed in Sri Lanka, thus far. These tiles are manufactured by Samson Rajarata Tiles (Pvt.) Ltd, a subsidiary of the DSI Samson group, which has always believed in the local manufacture of products that enjoy high demand in foreign markets, instead of importing foreign products to the island.

Consumers have always desire beautiful, colourful and strong roofs that are affordable. Though there are varied companies that manufacture roofing tiles using many different raw materials, Samson Rajarata Tiles made from 100 percent natural clay have always been among the most preferred, in Sri Lanka. This is the reason for them being selected for range of building developments: from the small house through mansions, to large-scale hotel construction. 
Using the same clay that was utilized to build palaces in the ancient civilizations of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, created by knowledge passed down many generations, paired with modern Japanese technology and with the aesthetics of the ancient royal grandiosity, these tile products are manufactured to meet present-day housing requirements. They are made available for local use and export by Samson Rajarata Tiles (Pvt.) Ltd. 

Samson Rajarata Tiles, manufactured in a completely different process as compared to traditional roofing tiles, can be labelled a ‘technical creation’, rather than a normal roofing tile. While Samson Rajarata Tiles have been used in many of the large-scale building constructions in Sri Lanka, it has also become a solution to many of the issues that spring in creating a roof.
Company Assistant General Manager Sudesh Rathnayaka had this to say, “More than the price consideration, Samson Rajarata Tiles are manufactured to meet high standards, paying attention to their strength and value. The strength of a tile would be approximately 1000 Newtons. Therefore, the tile has the strength to withstand any situation and has enduring qualities. A special feature of the tiles being the ‘interlocking system’, where any given tile is connected to four other tiles, it is a great solution for roofing in areas around the country, where monkeys are known to destruct roofs.
Another special feature is the fact that the roofing tile absorbs less than 10 percent of moisture from its surroundings. This prevents structural roof damage that is generally created by the weighing down of tiles which have absorbed considerable amounts of water during the rainy season. For that reason, in using Samson Rajarata Tiles, building a roofing structure that is required to carry the tiles’ ‘dry weight’, is enough. That’s why Samson Rajarata Tiles can be considered a technical creation available in the roofing industry market. 

Meanwhile, a network of technical consultants is available for customers for obtaining basic tile information prior to purchase and to obtain after-sales-services free of charge. They together with supervisors are available to visit the construction site for advisory requirements, as the tiles require a specific roofing structure to be constructed.

Made to Japanese technology, another key feature of the tiles is that they are baked using gas as a constant specific temperature is required for the perfect bake. Made from 100 percent natural clay sourced from the Nachchduwa tank, the tiles are free from environmentally hazardous cement and asbestos. They are therefore considered safe for human use. The tiles are currently exported to the United Kingdom. Rathnayaka went on to mention that Samson Rajarata Tiles (Pvt.) Ltd is now a  leader among clay tile manufacturing factories in South Asia, with a monthly production capacity of 400,000.

As a brainchild of DSI Samson Group Managing Director Kulathunga Rajapaksha, using the ancient concept of ‘Vavay-Dagabuy’ (lake and temple) in a modern context, ancient tanks that are being destroyed by depositing of silt, are dredged and the 100 percent natural clay is used in the manufacture of the tiles and proudly marketed both locally and internationally.