Sanjeewa Herath

I handle projects fabrication and installation projects like steel tanks, pipelines, and structures from concept to completion. In manufacturing,  I handle complete production plants with capacities up to 500 men.

Career Snapshot

Concurrent experience in each job role

• General Management and Administration:              10 years
• Project Management:                                                   10 years 
• Factory /  Production Management:                          13 years 
• MEP Consultancy:                                                         2 years 
• Mechanical Engineering:                                             27 years
• Heavy Steel Fabrication / Oil and Gas:                     10 years 
• Sheet Metal Fabrication / Steel Enclosures:             10 years
•  Cable Manufacturing:                                                  2 Years 

Work Experience

Amalgamated Building Systems Ltd.  – Operation Manager

Apr 2022-Dec 2023  

Specialized contractor for supply and installation of steel buildings with manufacturing factories for Pre-Engineered and Pre-Fabricated steel buildings. 

Achievements:

• Led team meetings to maximize staff engagement, communicate monthly targets, cash flow situations, and procedure variations, and implement QC/QA measures successfully.
• Ensured that health, safety, and other regulatory procedures were correctly maintained, monitored, and recorded properly and timely manner.
• Being the designated project manager for all the projects, I am responsible for delivering the results and making them to the satisfaction of the clients.
• Built sector expertise was used to advise team members on the best course of action for overcoming difficulties.
• Communicated regularly with stakeholders of the projects to discuss progress and financial requirements.
• Researched business opportunities with new and existing customers and follow up with the business development manager.

Electro Metal Pressings Ltd. – Senior Factory Manager

Mar 2012–Mar 2022

Manufacturer of customer-specific electrical panel boards and cable management systems.

Achievements:

• Implemented continuous improvement and 5S.  Re-arranged the factory layout, improved material handling systems, and contributed to the GP by minimizing manual handling.
• Categorized enclosure types, streamlined the workflow, and minimized the delays and stock holding costs.
• Developed and managed SOPs, embed QC and QA functions in the workstations, increased the usage of MIG and TIG over SMAW, and initiated jigs and fixtures to get the best use of manpower.
• Led WIP meetings every week and ensured adherence to work schedules and production programs while being flexible to the urgent requirements of the clients.
• Introduced and guided the mechanical engineers on the maintenance of CNC turret punching, bending, and shearing machines.
• Introduced NCR, minimized root causes of defects, and in turn increased customer satisfaction.
• Reviewed work in progress and provided reports to the BOD on variations and attended to correct them. Provide proposals on process improvements and technology acquisitions.

MTD Walkers PLC:  Chief Engineer

May 2002–Mar 2012

The main contractor of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in building and repairing bulk storage tanks, Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka for Fabrication and Installation of Radial Gates for large water reservoirs and manufacturing world renowned “Walkers” tea rollers to process ”Ceylon Tea”.

Achievements:

• Managed the manufacturing of tea rollers and the largest machine shop in Sri Lanka. Manufacturing capacity increased by 2.5 times during my tenure of 3 years at the factory.
• Preparation of tenders including writing method statements, cost estimates, and winning projects in Sri Lanka at a high success rate. 
• Followed API 650 for manufacturing Diesel and Crude Oil storage tanks with fixed roofs and Gasoline storage tanks with floating roofs (Designated as the project manager).
• Followed API 652 and API 653 for repairing storage tanks and installing cathodic protection systems resulting in fewer ambiguities and easy decision-making (Designated as the project manager).
• Managed to supply and install radial gates for new reservoirs. Managed the project scope, change requests, and sub-contractors to achieve the goals (Designated as the project manager).
• Controlled project budget and cash flow, Implemented QA/QC measures, best engineering practices, and subcontractors, and increased the GP.

Zeus Engineering – Project Manager

Feb 2000–Apr 2002

MEP consulting firm.

• Reviewed detailed drawings and inspected HVAC ducting, chilled and warm water pipelines, AHUs, potable water distribution systems, and fire water distribution system installations
• Involved in hydrostatic tests, provided periodic reports to the client on progress, and participated in project meetings.

Technomar Associates – Project Manager 

Aug 1998–Jan 2000

Contract firm undertook fabrication and erection of steel buildings and structures for Shell Gas Terminals – Sri Lanka. 

• Responsible for business development, fabrication processes, corrosion treatment, and erection of 
• structures
• Evaluated the performance of teams and individuals, offering detailed feedback to drive improvement.
• Established project scope, timeline, and objectives and tracked key metrics to monitor progress.
• Developed and evaluated proposals for clients, outlining project scope and timeline.

Kelani Cables PLC – Mechanical Engineer

Sep 1996–Jul 1998

Manufacturer of electrical cables.

• Prepared machine layouts of new factory buildings, and installed and commissioned cable manufacturing machines
• Organized and directed maintenance shutdowns and startups minimizing downtime.
• Minimized plant breakdowns with rigorous Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
• Visually inspected and tested machinery and equipment, performing routine preventive maintenance.
• Coordinated inventory and spare parts to reduce costs.
• Refurbished production equipment to optimize lifecycle.
• Sourced and procured components while adhering to all company purchasing rules.

• B. Sc. (Eng.) (Hons.)  Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PDM) PIM, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
• PMP academic requirements PMI –Colombo Chapter.
• Mechanical Engineering Design, Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka

Affiliations

• Professional Engineer - SCE
• Associate Member - IESL