Global CEO Magazine recently connected with Mr Muditha Kariyakarawana, CEO of Brown’s Engineering and Construction Company. Dr Madhu Fernando, Managing Director of Innova Strategies, interviewed him on behalf of the magazine, discussing his new role and vision.
Q: How do you feel about your new role, and what are your immediate priorities?
Taking on this role is a significant challenge in my career, as Brown’s is one of the leading engineering companies in Sri Lanka. Given the current economic situation, my main priority is maintaining the company’s strong reputation by delivering quality service to all our key clients. The market is tough, but we are committed to providing top-notch service.
Q: How do you plan to navigate these challenges and drive growth for Brown’s Engineering and Construction Company?
Back in 2021-2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, I was the Chief Operating Officer. We faced those challenges head-on and turned the situation into an opportunity. For instance, when there were fewer vehicles on the road, we expedited our fibre-laying projects. Drawing from that experience, I believe we can navigate the current challenges and take the company to the next level.
Q: You’re known for your strong project management skills. How are you tackling the complexities in this role?
The main challenge is managing field operations and mitigating risks. We rely heavily on technical manpower, and with many young professionals leaving Sri Lanka for overseas opportunities, we’ve addressed this by opening subsidiaries in regions like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Australia. This allows us to offer international exposure to our young engineers while ensuring they can return to Sri Lanka with valuable experience.
Q: In today’s business environment, sustainability and innovation are key. How are you approaching these at Brown’s?
We are focusing on both innovation and sustainability. We are developing our Research and Development unit, concentrating on sustainable products and projects. Additionally, we have a strong commitment to CSR initiatives, ensuring we contribute positively to the communities we serve.
Q: What are your long-term goals for the company?
As part of the Brown’s Group, we aim to be a key player in the Sri Lankan construction industry. While we are not focused on becoming the top company in Asia or Europe, we see significant opportunities in African and other regions. We want to explore these markets and provide our local staff with international opportunities.
Q: How do you foresee the future of the company amidst rapid technological advancements and evolving client expectations?
As a telecom engineer, I’ve seen the evolution from 2G to 5G. At Brown’s, we’ve established a training institute to keep our staff updated with the latest technical knowledge. We also work closely with equipment suppliers and clients to ensure we meet their needs effectively. Technology will continue to play a critical role in improving our efficiency and service delivery.
Q: What is your leadership style, and how will you use it to motivate your team?
I believe in a flexible leadership style. At times, I lead as a project manager, ensuring timely delivery of projects, while at other times, I work alongside my team as a member. Collaboration is key to achieving success both for the company and for me as a leader.
Q: You’re advocating for a collaborative leadership style, aren’t you?
Yes, that’s correct. I believe collaboration is essential to achieving the vision and objectives we have set for Brown’s Engineering and Construction Company.
