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In the ever-evolving world of technology, leadership is often measured by innovation.
But true leadership is measured by impact.
And few leaders in Sri Lanka’s digital and corporate landscape embody that better than Sandra De Zoysa.
A name synonymous with excellence, innovation, and people-first leadership, Sandra has spent over three decades transforming the ICT and telecommunications industry in Sri Lanka, becoming one of the nation’s most respected corporate voices. Today, she serves as the Group Chief Customer Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, Managing Director of Dialog Business Services, and a globally recognized thought leader in customer experience.
Her story is not merely one of titles and achievements.
It is the story of a woman who helped shape the future of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.
A Pioneer From the Very Beginning
Sandra’s journey began at a historic moment in Sri Lanka’s telecom sector.
She is widely recognized as the first female to join Celltel in 1989, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most remarkable careers in the nation’s telecommunications history. She later became one of the longest-serving leaders in Sri Lanka’s mobile telecommunications sector.
From the earliest days of mobile connectivity in Sri Lanka to the rise of advanced digital ecosystems, Sandra has remained at the forefront of transformation.
Her leadership helped redefine customer service from a support function into a strategic business pillar.
What makes her journey exceptional is her ability to consistently evolve with the industry.
As technology changed, so did her vision.
The Architect of Customer Experience Excellence
At Dialog, Sandra has become one of the most influential leaders behind the company’s customer-centric transformation strategy.
Under her leadership, Dialog has earned global recognition for excellence in customer experience, including the Forrester Customer-Obsessed Enterprise Award for the Asia Pacific region in 2023 and multiple international honors in 2025.
Most recently, she was named among the “Top 40 Future of CX Leaders 2026” by CX Network, a prestigious global recognition that placed her among the world’s most influential voices in customer experience.
Her philosophy is deeply human: “technology must serve people, not replace empathy”.
This leadership mindset has helped transform traditional telecommunications services into digitally enabled, customer-first experiences that have set industry benchmarks.
A Global Voice in Leadership and Innovation
Sandra’s influence extends well beyond Dialog.
She made history as the first female Chairperson of SLASSCOM, Sri Lanka’s national chamber for the IT and BPM industry, a landmark moment for women in leadership and technology.
Her leadership roles include:
- Founding board member of the Women’s Chamber for Digital Sri Lanka
- Fellow of the British Computer Society (UK)
- Member of the CXPA Asia Regional Leadership Council
- Visiting lecturer at the University of Colombo School of Computing
She has also represented Sri Lanka on more than 450 global speaking platforms, becoming one of the country’s most recognized female voices in technology and leadership.
Moreover, Sandra De Zoysa, has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award of the Year 2023 at the Women in IT Awards (Asia Edition).
This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to the field of information technology and her remarkable leadership in the industry.
Championing Women and Future Leaders
Perhaps what makes Sandra truly inspiring is her passion for empowering others.
She has consistently invested her time in mentoring women, children, and emerging entrepreneurs through initiatives such as:
- Global Mentorship Initiative
- Women in Management
- HATCH mentorship programs
- women tech entrepreneurship initiatives
Her work has helped create pathways for more women to rise in industries traditionally dominated by men.
For many young Sri Lankan women, Sandra De Zoysa is not just a leader.
She is proof that excellence, resilience, and vision can break any barrier.
A Legacy Beyond Corporate Success
Sandra’s legacy is far greater than awards and titles.
She represents a new model of Sri Lankan leadership — visionary, compassionate, inclusive, and future-focused.
Her journey is a reminder that the most powerful leaders are those who combine innovation with humanity.
She is not simply shaping companies.
She is shaping the future of leadership in Sri Lanka.
