Doreen Sansoni is not a widely recognized figure in general international encyclopedic literature, and detailed, verifiable biographical records concerning her life and work are limited.
Based on available regional historical records and documentation related to Sri Lankan art history, Doreen Sansoni (1911–1996) was a Sri Lankan designer and entrepreneur who played a foundational role in the development of the modern handloom textile industry in Sri Lanka. In the late 1940s, she established "Ceylon Handlooms," an initiative aimed at revitalizing traditional weaving techniques by applying contemporary aesthetic standards and color palettes. Her work is often cited as a precursor to the later, more globally recognized textile movements in the country, specifically the work of her daughter-in-law, Barbara Sansoni, and the Barefoot brand.
Socially, she was a member of the Sri Lankan Burgher community and was married to Miliani Claude Sansoni, who served as the Chief Justice of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) from 1964 to 1966. While her influence is acknowledged within specific contexts of Sri Lankan design history and the Burgher heritage, there is a lack of extensive secondary source material to provide a comprehensive encyclopedic account of her career or personal history.