Dimuthu Ethugala
Seeking novel opportunities
Q: Could you share your entrepreneurial journey with regard to starting up and operating outside of your home country?
A: Sujeewa Appuhamy, Jude Shantha and I have been friends since our student days; we are business partners today.
Having qualified as chartered accountants, Appuhamy and I began our careers in Dubai and Kuwait. It was during this time that we recognised the opportunity to establish our own consulting brand and founded Crevaty (meaning ‘create value to society’) in 2017.
Our experience working in ‘Big Four’ firms – particularly EY (Appuhamy and Shantha) and KPMG (myself) – provided invaluable insights and expertise that laid the foundation for our venture. The introduction of VAT in 2017 served as a catalyst for us to establish our first office in Dubai.
Since then, we have expanded our presence to several other countries with Sri Lanka serving as the centralised hub for our back office operations, expertly managed by Shantha from the outset.
Our business model operates on a franchise basis in emerging markets, a back office model in Europe and other mature markets, and direct operations in the Gulf market.
Q: As a firm primarily operating in Gulf countries, what insights can you share with the global community regarding the future business landscape of the region?
A: We anticipate a thriving business landscape fuelled by economic diversification and digital innovation. Opportunities are abundant, particularly in sectors like construction and infrastructure, renewable energy, technology and tourism.
Understanding local nuances and building strategic partnerships are essential for navigating this dynamic market. The Gulf’s strategic location and growing consumer base further enhance its appeal for businesses seeking global expansion.
Q: What are the key drivers shaping the future of the tech sectors in Kuwait and Sri Lanka?
A: The future of the tech sectors in Kuwait and Sri Lanka is shaped by factors like digital infrastructure development, government support for innovation and a skilled workforce.
Organisations can leverage these trends by investing in emerging technologies, fostering partnerships with local stakeholders and prioritising talent development. Embracing digital transformation will be key for organisations to gain a strategic advantage in these evolving tech landscapes.
Q: In Kuwait’s context, how are opportunities evolving for consulting services in non-oil sectors?
A: In Kuwait, opportunities for consulting services in non-oil sectors are poised for substantial growth as the country diversifies its economy.
Key areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and tourism are undergoing rapid development, presenting opportunities for consulting firms to provide expertise in strategy, operations and implementation.
With the government’s commitment to economic diversification and private sector involvement, consulting services will play a vital role in supporting Kuwait’s transition towards a more diversified and sustainable economy.
Q: And what role do you see Sri Lanka playing in the regional economic landscape?
A: Sri Lanka’s strategic position in South Asia prompts diverse consulting needs for businesses, encompassing market entry strategies, regulatory guidance and digital transformation.
Its role in regional trade and connectivity amplifies the demand for tailored consulting solutions that address local nuances. As a consulting brand operating outside Sri Lanka, we have helped Sri Lankan entities go global, primarily by expanding their businesses to Dubai and Singapore.
Q: What sparked your interest in public speaking and participation in Toastmasters International contests?
A: As a former student president of the Chartered Accountants Students’ Society, I discovered the need and my passion for public speaking. But later, I realised that Toastmasters is more than simply about public speaking; it’s a lifestyle focussed on nurturing leaders.
Participating in international contests challenged me, and instilled a commitment to practise as a general speaker and leader. This not only improved my public speaking skills but also expanded my professional network across various domains.
Q: As the Immediate Past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) Kuwait Chapter, you spearheaded the launch of The Hub – the first magazine by an overseas chapter of CA Sri Lanka – in March. What inspired you to embark on this venture?
A: As the immediate past president, apart from other initiatives focussed broadly on Sri Lankans living in Kuwait, launching The Hub stemmed from a desire to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse professional talent beyond the prevalent perception of domestic work.
The initiative aimed to spotlight Sri Lankan professionals in Kuwait, broadening perspectives and fostering connections.
Additionally, The Hub sought to highlight investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, shedding light on its burgeoning economy and encouraging diaspora engagement, for mutual benefit and national development.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Father – Ariyarathna Ethugala
Mother – Daisy Perera
Sister – Dr. Berni Ann
Wife – Chandima Weerasekara
Sons – Diyon, Yevon and Kevon
SCHOOLING
Seventh-Day Adventist High School (Kandana)
Christ King College
QUALIFICATIONS
Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka)
Fellow member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka)
MBA (Postgraduate Institute of Management – PIM)
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Business transformation consultant
Co-Founder – Crevaty network of firms (operating in Dubai, Kuwait, the UK, Singapore, Canada, Bahrain and Sri Lanka)
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
Kuwait
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Salmiya
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Dimuthu Ethugala is an entrepreneur and the Managing Partner of Crevaty Consulting Kuwait. He primarily manages Crevaty operations in the Gulf region.
He possesses over 20 years of experience in business transformation, accounting, risk and transaction advisory, and assurance audits across diversified industries. Ethugala began his career at BDO Partners in Sri Lanka. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he worked as a manager in the risk consulting service line at KPMG Kuwait.
Additionally, Ethugala served the Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka – Kuwait Chapter for five years, holding positions such as General Secretary and Vice President, and completing his term as President in March this year.
A passionate toastmaster, he has won several international awardsin the recent past.