AHRP to host 6th HR Think Tank

In line with its mandate to significantly uplift the standards of the human resources (HR) profession in Sri Lanka, the Association of Human Resource Professionals (AHRP) will host its sixth Human Resources Think Tank (HRTT) under the theme of ‘HR Capabilities for Business Excellence’. 
The event will take place on April 22, 2024, at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. HRTT is a cornerstone in the HR industry, facilitating invaluable discussions, networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among industry leaders and HR professionals.

Since 2019, the AHRP has conducted five think tank series focusing on various pertinent topics, including creating future proof organisations focusing on engaging and retaining talent. Open to the public for the first time, this year’s event promises to be the largest, with more than 200 participants attending. AHRP President Roshan Kulasuriya will officially inaugurate the proceedings.   

During the event, the AHRP will unveil a special report titled ‘HR Capability Study’, a result of an initiative led by the AHRP to identify the critical capabilities needed by the HR professionals in Sri Lanka. With inputs and insights from 20 CEOs of Sri Lanka’s top organisations, this study focuses on core HR capabilities, which serve as the foundation for more specialised skills. The key outcomes of the report will be presented by AHRP Executive Vice President and Sri Lanka Telecom Chief People Officer Chandana Wijayanama.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, AHRP Vice President and Acting Head of Group and Chief People Officer of Hemas Holdings Ravi Jayasekera said, “The AHRP is delighted to be hosting this year’s HR Think Tank where we will unveil the findings of a one-of-a-kind study with the inputs and insights of 20 CEOs from Sri Lanka’s leading corporates. The study delves into what capabilities HR practitioners must develop to be recognised as value-adding leaders in Sri Lanka’s business landscape. We are also thrilled that four CEOs who participated in the research will join us to share their insights and perspectives during a panel discussion.”

The esteemed panel comprises Hatton National Bank Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles, 5-Hour International Corporation Chief Operating Officer and Hemas Holdings Non-Executive Director Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Aitken Spence Deputy Chairman/Managing Director Dr. Parakrama Dissanayaka and Brandix Group Chief Executive Officer Ashroff Omar. The discussion will be moderated by Ravi Jayasekera.

AHRP Vice President and Fortude Chief People Officer Oshana Dias said, “2024 marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the inaugural HRTT. Since its inception, the collaboration between the AHRP and SHRM has provided a vital platform for HR professionals to convene, exchange insights and stay abreast of the latest advancements in the global HR landscape. This year, we are thrilled to announce the largest HRTT, which is now open to the public for the first time. As part of this momentous event, SHRM’s Nishith Upadhyaya, Executive Director - Advisory for India, APAC and MENA, alongside Neha Pant, Director of Knowledge and Advisory at SHRM India, will introduce the concept of AI + HR = ROI.”

In the meantime, a leading provider of HR, benefits, retirement and investment solutions for global clients, Mercer and Sri Lanka’s reputed performance consulting firm Sandbox, have come on board as event partners for the sixth HR Think Tank. Shradhanjali Patnaik, Rewards Consulting Leader - Sri Lanka Market at Mercer, and Angelo De Silva, Managing Director and the Principal Consultant of Sandbox, will conduct two sessions on rewards and organisational experience and development. 

HRTT is a joint venture between the AHRP and SHRM, the world’s largest not-for-profit HR association. It is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.

As a milestone event in the HR calendar, the AHRP’s HR Think Tank is supported by several local and global sponsors, including Gold Corporate Partners Hemas Holdings PLC, Hayleys PLC, Honor by Singer, Amoda Rathnayake Associates, MAS Holdings and Aitken Spence, Gifting Partner Thyaga, Life Insurance Partner Union Assurance and Coaching Partner Coach Masters Academy.