Hayleys Fentons Limited has emerged as a cornerstone in the Sri Lankan engineering and renewable energy landscape, drawing on its 105-year legacy. Managing Director Hasith Prematillake highlights how the company leverages its century-long expertise to engineer impactful solutions addressing local and global challenges from rising energy costs to the need for green energy transformation. Founded by British Chartered Engineer Herbert Fenton in 1919, the company joined Hayleys Group in 2016, marking a renewed focus on financial stability and growth. Under Prematillake’s leadership, Hayleys Fentons overcame cash flow issues and operational challenges via its SPIDER strategy—a framework for streamlining operations, bolstering cash flow, and strengthening talent development.
Hayleys Fentons, renowned for its extensive engineering expertise, has secured its position as the leader in solar power and MEP solutions, partnering with internationally acclaimed brands. The company represents prominent names like JA Solar for solar panels, Bosch for security systems, and Carrier for air conditioning. With its deep-rooted legacy of 105 years in Sri Lanka, Hayleys Fentons continues to innovate, focusing on long-term, sustainable engineering services for diverse sectors. Central to its success is a dedication to end-to-end project management. From initial architectural visualization, and construction to ongoing maintenance, Hayleys Fentons provides comprehensive support, ensuring clients a streamlined experience throughout the lifecycle of a project. Its broad portfolio spans renewable energy installations and advanced security systems, with notable deployments at iconic landmark buildings and projects in Sri Lanka.
The ventures into renewable energy, including solar and wind power projects, reflect a commitment to propagating affordable, green energy solutions. In partnership with the Asian Development Bank, Hayleys Fentons has deployed AgroVoltaic technology—a dual-purpose solar installation that uses semi-transparent panels over agricultural fields, supporting crop growth and energy generation. This approach maximizes land use, benefitting local agriculture and advancing energy affordability. Hayleys Fentons has also invested in advanced battery storage systems and solar hybrid systems to address the intermittency of solar power.
Prematillake notes that collaboration with the government on renewable initiatives would reinforce Hayleys Fentons’ role in the national energy sector. Recognizing the limited role of solar in the national energy mix, Hayleys Fentons is expanding solar installations across diverse communities and exploring wind energy to reduce reliance on imported fuel. Being the lowest price bidder for a recent 50-megawatt wind power project underscores a deep commitment to renewable solutions that could support national energy independence.
Prematillake envisions Hayleys Fentons as a significant contributor to economic development by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sri Lanka. Via partnerships with various commercial banks and the Industrial Development Board, the company tailors solutions to meet the needs of smaller businesses, fostering inclusive growth and empowering MSMEs to contribute to the national economy. Recognizing the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in emerging markets, Hayleys Fentons is expanding internationally with ventures in Africa and Singapore, aligning with the export-driven strategy across the Hayleys Group.
In addition to renewable energy, Hayleys Fentons has developed expertise in security systems, ICT solutions and facilities management. In partnership with Bosch Germany, the company provides critical security infrastructure across Sri Lanka, including surveillance and access control systems for prominent government and private institutions. The company also offers critical technology solutions through Fentons Information Technology (FIT), one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted ICT system integrators, delivering innovative solutions that keep businesses at the forefront of technology. The facilities management division further exemplifies a comprehensive approach, overseeing ongoing maintenance and support projects. By covering project design, implementation, and upkeep, the company offers clients a seamless experience, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the engineering sector.
Extending its customer-focused ethos, the Hayleys Fentons Immersive Experience Centre in Nawala offers hands-on engagement with the group’s expertise. The first of its kind within the company, this state-of-the-art facility showcases products and solutions across 12 diverse sectors, enabling visitors—whether customers, partners, or stakeholders—to interact with cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic environment.
“At Hayleys Fentons, human capital is a key growth driver. With over 400 engineers among its 1,800-strong team, the company prioritizes training in technical skills, customer service, and leadership to build a workforce that meets evolving market demands. Hayleys Fentons onboarded 124 new employees in October alone, underscoring its commitment to business growth and upskilling the labour market to support a modern economy. Guided by its mission to deliver sustainable and innovative engineering services for a better life, Hayleys Fentons is poised to contribute to energy independence and ESG goals shared by the Hayleys Group”, says Hasith Prematillake.