SLASSCOM People Summit 2026 on January 30

Shehani Seneviratne

Thilanka Jayathileke

• To harness human potential with power of technology

SLASSCOM’s 15th edition of its People Summit returns on January 30, 2026, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, reinforcing its leadership in driving progressive people practices. 

It will bring together Sri Lanka’s foremost HR leaders, business decision-makers and technology practitioners. Since its inception, the summit has evolved into the nation’s most influential people-focused platform, shaping dialogue on the future of HR. 

The 2026 edition continues this legacy under the theme ‘Human + Tech: The New Equation – Building Capabilities, Connecting People, Shaping What’s Next’, spotlighting  how organisations can seamlessly align human capability with technological advancement to redefine the future of work, featuring global insights, locally relevant case studies and interactive dialogues that demonstrate how people-centric strategies can thrive alongside advanced technology.

The summit will tackle some of the most pressing themes shaping the future workforce, from enabling human potential in a tech-driven world, succeeding in disruption and keeping people at the heart of digital transformation. Through focused breakout sessions and immersive experiences, the summit will explore human-centred cultures, well-being and hybrid work, Gen Z and multigenerational teams, ethical and responsible technology, future compensation trends and large-scale reskilling, all designed to re-energise leaders and reinforce a truly people-first future of work.

Commenting on the significance of the summit, SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne stated, People Summit 2026 is about reframing the narrative around technology, shifting the focus from fear and replacement to empowerment and possibility. Rather than viewing technology as a substitute for human talent, the summit positions it as a powerful enabler for people, potential and performance. As organisations accelerate their adoption of AI and digital tools, HR emerges as a critical steward of change, responsible for embedding empathy, ethical decision-making and human-centred values into every stage of transformation. In doing so, HR leaders can ensure that progress is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, responsible and deeply human.

Echoing this sentiment, HR Forum Board Lead Thilanka Jayathileke added, “The future of work demands a new kind of leadership—one that moves beyond task management to becoming transformational. This summit will challenge leaders to rethink how they build capabilities, nurture talent and shape resilient, human-centred organisations in a tech-driven world.”

As the world of work continues to evolve, this summit offers a timely opportunity to gain strategic insights, connect with peers and reimagine leadership in a human-centred, tech-enabled era. HR and business leaders are invited to be part of this conversation, to influence, to lead and to co-create workplaces that are resilient, inclusive and ready for what’s next.