Rachel Rajaratnam Transforming Complex Projects into Lasting Impact

Rachel Rajaratnam is a multidisciplinary leader whose career reflects a unique blend of engineering, strategic vision, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven leadership. With over 17 years of experience across Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and international markets, she has built a reputation for transforming complex projects and ideas into meaningful, future-focused outcomes.
As Group Head - Projects & Engineering at Fairway Holdings and Chief Growth Officer at Chatham Construction Pvt Ltd, she leads across engineering, construction, consultancy, design, operations, and business growth - bringing together technical expertise with strategy, innovation, and execution. Beyond corporate leadership, Rachel’s work extends into entrepreneurship, hospitality, cultural preservation, wellness-led concepts, and social impact initiatives, creating spaces, businesses, and experiences rooted in purpose, identity, and long-term value. Discover more about her inspiring journey, leadership philosophy, entrepreneurial vision, and multidimensional impact in this exclusive cover feature.

Words - Sachini Perera
Photos - Jagath Dharmakeerthi
Location - MaRadha, Colombo 3 

What inspired you to enter a male-dominated industry like engineering and construction?

For me, engineering was never only about construction; it was about creating systems, spaces, and solutions that can positively impact how people live, work, and experience environments. I’ve always been fascinated by how infrastructure, design, and strategy can shape communities, economies, and lifestyles. Entering a male-dominated industry never felt like a limitation to me. I was always more focused on capability, ideas, execution, and creating value. Over time, I realized construction is not just about building structures; it is about solving problems, creating opportunities, and shaping experiences. That broader purpose is what continues to inspire me.

What mindset do you bring into projects that others may consider difficult or impossible?

I approach challenges with a practical, solution-driven mindset. I believe every problem has a root cause, and before reacting, I always try to understand the system behind it-whether technical, operational, financial, or people-related. I don’t believe in temporary fixes. Even when quick action is needed, I prefer solutions that are sustainable in the long term. I also look beyond the immediate issue. I study the wider impact-how it affects operations, stakeholders, timelines, finances, and future outcomes. Once there is clarity, structure, accountability, and the right people aligned, even difficult projects become possible.