Sandun Pathirana

Sandun Pathirana has followed his path to become an entrepreneur and a regional and global logistics leader.

Last year, Daily FT featured an article titled ‘Sandun, regional expert with a new mission in Sri Lanka’, showcasing his remarkable achievements and clear vision.

A year later, Sandun has not only continued his journey of success but also followed his path to become an entrepreneur, a regional and global logistics leader. This follow-up article explores his past year’s progress, upcoming projects and perspectives on the future of logistics. 

Sandun’s journey began in the early 1990s in Sri Lanka. He worked with corporates such as John Keells Holdings and Aitken Spence PLC where he rose to become a General Manager in 2002, heading a joint venture in Bangladesh for five years, navigating significant challenges whilst gaining invaluable experience competing with major players. 

In 2007, Sandun returned to Sri Lanka and led Ace Cargo’s overseas expansions into India, Pakistan and the Maldives. He left Ace Cargo in 2010 to set up regional entities for Hong Kong-based the On Time Express, launching operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. 

Sandun played a crucial role and became a Regional Director for the Indian subcontinent leading up to its listing at the Hong Kong Stock exchange and subsequently acquired by YTO Express Group with a turnover of US $ 8 billion in 2015. 

Thereafter, he led the group’s companies in South Asia and the Middle East, living and working across the region, engaging with global markets until last year.

Despite the trend of professionals leaving Sri Lanka, he is determined to contribute to the economy through job creation and mentoring the young talent, fostering leadership while empowering the next generation. He has established a comprehensive logistics operation in Sri Lanka and has diversified into tourism and property management that will have a direct impact on the economy.

Recognising the importance of ESG initiatives, he intends to protect Sri Lanka’s natural ecosystems through sustainable and impactful projects.

The logistics industry is getting ever important with endless challenges. Sadun envisions India playing a crucial role on the global stage, impacting entire South Asia positively. Additionally, He sees growth opportunities in the Middle East, particularly with Saudi Arabia and certain GCC countries diversifying from oil dependency into other industries. 

He also identifies exceptional growth in certain countries in Africa and is bullish about being part of it one day.
Sandun believes Sri Lankans have built a solid reputation worldwide in the field of international logistics, emerging as business leaders in the South Asian region. This reputation is underpinned by a unique set of skills, including people management, leadership qualities, identifying cultural sensitivities and political awareness
Sandun’s journey is far from over. With a keen eye on the future, he is not just planning the next big move of creating his own logistic brand, he’s orchestrating a transformation that could redefine industries. His story is a beacon of what’s possible when vision, passion and determination converge.