Our nation is going through one of the most difficult periods in its entire history. Such challenging times define resolute leadership and calls for resilience and focus. Muthuraja Nanayakkara, CEO of SEBSA enlightens us of his personal journey and his organization’s success.

“I personally had to face many obstacles during my life’s journey, but I believe it is the way we stand against them, that leads you to a positive outcome.” said Muthuraja. “Mindfulness is a key aspect of my personality and work ethics, which is a human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

Another prominent attribute that Muthuraja cultivated as a CEO is the ‘mutual respect and trust’ he has towards his team. Monitoring his own ways of delegation, he ensures that responsibilities and duties delegated to the team are bound to build the team’s spirit within the company. “I show trust by delegating key responsibilities at the right time to the right person. I have learned to earn their trust, rather than demand for it.” As ‘consistency’ is also considered key to Muthuraja’s list of ethos, “Our shareholders and customers need reliable leadership. I have learned to be consistent in meeting that expectation.”

Muthuraja is a product of the University of Moratuwa. He started out his career as a Textile and Process Engineer in a leading textile company, back in 2006. During this time, he was exposed to Enterprise Applications and Finance, which ultimately drove him towards his second degree in Chartered Management Accountancy. In 2008, he took a leap of faith and made his debut into the software industry by taking up the role of a Business Analyst, at IFS®, one of the largest ERP software companies. After 11 years of service, he successfully built competencies in significant areas within the domain, alongside a network of connections, leading him to venture out on his own.

Muthuraja joined SEBSA™ in 2019, where he took up part ownership and the position of CEO, within the company. “SEBSA™ is a Systems Integrator that provides services related to ERP suites. Mainly IFS® Applications and also Microsoft®, SAP® and NXTGEN™ ERP Solutions since 2015.” They provided services in implementation, upgrades, support services, modifications, configurations, and end-user support. Furthermore, SEBSA™ continues to expand their clientele base among the worldwide market.

Not long after joining SEBSA, came the covid-19 pandemic, then came the current economic crisis. But despite these numerous challenges, SEBSA took the path to channel its investment into their people. “Our greatest asset is our team and taking care of them became our number one priority.” adds Muthuraja proudly. It seems when every capable young professional seeks to leave our nation for better prospects, SEBSA is doing their duty to help the next generation to weather the storm and fulfil their personal and career aspirations.

Now, SEBSA is moving towards being a large global systems integrator providing the best of breed solutions to customers. “We are focused on helping our customers streamline their business processes and adopt industry best practices to achieve their strategic objectives and become an integral part of their businesses and, ‘a friend’ to all to whom we provide services”.

Alternatively, SEBSA announces its joint venture with a prominent Netherland based company, primarily focusing on Web and Mobile Application developments for the European Market. Within the local market, SEBSA strives to be an assistance to existing and upcoming businesses, navigating them through the unprecedented crisis with affordable consultancy and solutions. Also, as part of this endeavor they have been looking at the concept of “Servitization” on how product-based companies can be helped to diversify into service-based companies in order to increase their market share. Therefore, SEBSA and its partners are investing in a large event within the month of September 2022. If you are a product-based organization who is looking for such a strategy, this would be an ideal event to take part in.

 Having acquired years of experience, Muthuraja responds with insightful words of wisdom for the future generation of entrepreneurs, “Most youngsters entirely divert their focus towards their end goal, while omitting the hardships that are usually entitled to one’s success journey. Entrepreneurs are not born, they are made, and you need to go through the steps of being a professional, self-employed, or business owner.” Whilst stating this Muthuraja leaves us with a simple piece of advice, “Do not take shortcuts, but try to step up through the merit of hard work.”