Few leaders in the rapidly changing fields of infrastructure and technology possess the depth, flexibility, and human-centred grit that Clyed Gabriel does. Clyed, who is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Hayleys Electronics Limited (HEL), has accomplished a lot. Having worked in the water supply, construction, and automotive industries, he is currently contributing to the advancement of Sri Lanka’s engineering accessories trading sector.

Clyed’s leadership, however, transcends the bounds of conventional industry playbooks. He firmly believes in the value of relationships, the need for flexibility, and the effectiveness of working on a project from conception to completion.

Before joining Hayleys, Clyed was already deeply entrenched in industries that build the nation—literally. From construction materials to water supply systems and even the high-octane world of automotive sales, his early career was a masterclass in understanding end-to-end ecosystems.

“I’ve worked with world-leading brands and top-end architects across Sri Lanka. Many of these were landmark projects,” he shares. “These experiences not only gave me technical know-how but taught me how to navigate stakeholders, manage high expectations, and deliver value at scale.”

In the water supply sector, Clyed led projects that were either foreign-funded, locally backed, or government-supported—projects that shaped Sri Lanka’s public infrastructure. He was involved from the ground up, literally overseeing every stage of a project cycle from architect to consultant, contractor to client. “This became my foundation,” he reflects. “The project cycle is my core operating module. It’s how I train my teams, manage stakeholder engagement, and ensure project outcomes.”

Clyed’s knack for working with top-tier clients is no coincidence—it’s a calling. Whether it was luxury vehicle clientele or large-scale public sector infrastructure, he always found himself managing the high end of the client spectrum. “Corporate handling has always been my passion,” he says with conviction. “And in every sector I’ve worked in, I’ve dealt with clientele who expect precision, performance, and professionalism.”

At the core of Clyed’s leadership style is a philosophy that blends instinctive talent spotting with deep mentorship. “When it comes to building high-performing teams, I believe in picking the right people from the market and grooming them to think in terms of the project cycle,” he explains. “Corporate and project environments aren’t about short-term wins. It’s about managing pressure, building long-term relationships, and maintaining momentum and delivering results.”

He views relationship-building as a cornerstone of success—especially in B2B. “Our clients aren’t one-time customers. We grow with them. The relationships we build and nurture have to last through entire lifecycles, sometimes spanning decades.” Goals, he adds, are deeply personal. “They’re not just assigned. You need to see them, believe in them, and then execute relentlessly.”

Under Clyed’s watch, Hayleys Electronics has grown into a national pioneer, especially in sectors like solar energy, lighting, air conditioning, and energy-saving ventilation systems.

“We’re not just selling products; we’re introducing tomorrow’s technology today,” Clyed affirms. “We were the first to introduce advanced panel tech into the Sri Lankan market. Today, we’re the number one trading partner for solar accessories.”

HEL’s portfolio is bolstered by strategic alliances with global leaders:

• JA Solar – with over 1,000 MW supplied to Sri Lanka, HEL is their premium partner.
• Huawei – strategic collaborations have earned HEL multiple recognitions.
• SolaX – exclusive enterprise partner silver.

From smart lighting to smart cooling, HEL is lighting the path to a smarter Sri Lanka. And their dominance doesn’t stop at home—HEL operates in Singapore, contributes significantly to dollar-based global trade, and is already expanding its footprint to Bangladesh, Maldives, and the broader Southeast Asian region.

Among his most significant achievements is securing Sri Lanka’s first two-megawatt battery project, in collaboration with Hayleys Solar. “It was a first in the country, and it proved that innovation, even under pressure, is possible with the right team and the right partners.”

These are not isolated incidents. From EPC projects to renewable energy infrastructure and the management of construction sector materials, Clyed has played a pivotal role in leading the construction sector through Sri Lanka’s ongoing crisis. His contributions have been instrumental in positioning HEL as an agile and forward-thinking industry leader.

Some of the most challenging yet defining moments in Clyed’s career arose during difficult economic periods—particularly during his collaboration with Besix, one of the world’s most renowned Belgian construction firms, known for its involvement in landmark projects such as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and the European Parliament.

Clyed worked closely with the firm on a water supply project in Sri Lanka at a time when the country was grappling with severe economic difficulties. “We adapted by changing our strategy,” he recalls. “Even during the dollar crisis, we managed to secure direct foreign currency-based orders.”

One of Clyed’s most tangible achievements is HEL’s explosive revenue growth: “When I started, we were doing around LKR 800 million. Today, we’ve reached LKR 5.4 billion,” he shares. “That’s more than threefold revenue growth in a short span.”

But for Clyed, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about impact. “Our global trading arm in Singapore has contributed significantly in dollar terms, adding direct value to Sri Lanka’s economy.”

With HEL’s strategic sourcing power—leveraged through the wider Hayleys Group—Clyed envisions an even broader international footprint. “We’re building a global trading ecosystem, and the results so far are promising.”

The future for Clyed and HEL is as ambitious as it is clear. “We want to transform HEL into a one-stop trading hub for construction materials and future technologies, driven by our promise to deliver Trust Beyond a Warranty,” he says.

With Sri Lanka’s construction sector poised for resurgence and renewable energy adoption on the rise, the stars are aligning for HEL to become a driving force in national development. With Managing Director Hasith Prematillake at the helm and a leadership team committed to innovation and integrity, HEL is not just participating in the future—it’s building it.

Clyed strongly acknowledges and extends his gratitude to the Managing Director for the pivotal part he has played in shaping both his own and HEL’s continued story.

And for Clyed personally?

“I’m excited about scaling this momentum, expanding globally, and most importantly, contributing meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s economic transformation. Leadership, for me, is about lifting others while lifting an entire industry.”