Dr. Saroshi Dubash, director of the Abans group, was awarded the esteemed title of Sri Lankan Woman Leader at the recently held Sri Lanka Women Leaders event, organised by the World Women Leadership Congress & Awards at Taj Samudra Colombo on September 10, 2025. The award recognises her remarkable contributions to business, innovation, and women’s empowerment as a prominent leader at the Abans Group.
As a second-generation leader of the Abans Group, founded by the pioneering businesswoman Abans Pestonjee, Dr Dubash has risen steadily through the organisation’s ranks, becoming widely respected for her integrity, commitment, and visionary leadership. Currently, she holds the positions of Managing Director at Abans Electricals and Manufacturing PLC, Abans Logistics, and Crown City Developers, and she continues to steer these companies towards growth while standing by principles of honesty, sustainability, and innovation.
Dr Dubash earned a PhD in Philosophy and an MBA from the University of Honolulu after completing a BSc in Chemistry at the University of London. She actively promotes continuous learning and professional development, using her leadership style to encourage employees to embrace challenges, gain new skills, and enhance their adaptability in their careers.
A major contribution she has made to the Abans Group is in the field of digital transformation. In 2005, she led the digitisation of company processes well ahead of their widespread adoption, personally gathering a team of IT experts and overseeing the development of a custom supply chain management (SCM) system that ultimately became the foundation for the group’s swift growth.
In 2007, she launched Buyabans.com, bringing e-commerce to Sri Lanka, enhancing customer interaction and sales, and establishing the company as a key player in digital innovation.
Dr Dubash’s direction has also greatly impacted the logistics industry in Sri Lanka, transforming what was once a support department into a dynamic business unit. Her vision resulted in the creation of the Abans Logistics Centre in Kaldolkelle, Seeduwa, a cutting-edge facility built with a focus on sustainability.
The facility offers storage and logistics services for external clients while integrating renewable practices like solar energy production, rainwater collection, environmentally friendly sewage treatment, and electric-powered machinery, all enhanced by a cutting-edge Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Under her management, Abans Logistics has expanded its operations to include freight forwarding, customs broking, cold chain management, last-mile delivery, and yard operations, creating a comprehensive logistics portfolio that supports both domestic and international businesses.
Dr Dubash has long championed gender inclusion and youth development, creating internship programmes that offer opportunities for university students, especially young women venturing into the logistics field. Her mentoring programs provide female workers with career advice, propelling them to leadership positions in fields traditionally dominated by men.
She also supported Ramp Up–2025, a programme by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce that recognised emerging female entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, acting as a platform for women to exercise their talent, build networks, and expand into global markets.
In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Dr. Dubash actively engages with organisations that promote women’s leadership, has served as Chairperson of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and currently plays a leading role in WILAT (Women in Logistics and Transport) under the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Her participation in community building includes various CSR initiatives designed to empower disadvantaged women and children, fostering a sustainable and enduring effect.
Recognised as a Sri Lankan Woman Leader, Dr Saroshi Dubash underscores her commitment to integrating innovation, sustainability, and empowerment into various business sectors.
