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 6^th Human Resources Think Tank (HRTT) under the theme of ‘HR Capabilities for Business Excellence’. The event will take place on 22^nd April 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, AHRP has conducted five think tank series focusing on various pertinent topics, including creating future proof organizations 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, AHRP will unveil a special report titled ‘HR Capability Study’, a result of an initiative led by AHRP to identify the critical capabilities needed by HR professionals in Sri Lanka. With inputs and insights from 20 CEOs of Sri Lanka’s top organizations, this study focuses on core HR capabilities, which serve as the foundation for more specialized 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, “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 Jonathan Alles (Managing Director/CEO of Hatton National Bank), Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson (Chief Operating Officer of 5-Hour International Corporation / Non-Executive Director of Hemas Holdings), Dr. Parakrama Dissanayaka (Deputy Chairman/Managing Director of Aitken Spence) and Ashroff Omar (Group Chief Executive Officer of Brandix). The discussion will be moderated by Ravi Jayasekera.

Oshana Dias, AHRP Vice President and Chief People Officer of Fortude, said, “2024 marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the inaugural HR Think Tank (HRTT). Since its inception, the collaboration between 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 & 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 6th 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 organizational experience and development.

HRTT is a joint venture between 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, 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.

Image Caption: Clockwise: AHRP President Roshan Kulasuriya, AHRP Executive Vice President Chandana Wijayanama, AHRP Vice President Ravi Jayasekera, AHRP Vice President Oshana Dias, Mercer Rewards Consulting Leader - Sri Lanka Market Shradhanjali Patnaik, Sandbox Managing Director and Principal Consultant Angelo De Silva, SHRM India Director - Knowledge and Advisory Neha Pant and SHRM Executive Director - Advisory for India, APAC & MENA Nishith Upadhyaya