Business
CIPM 4th research symposium focuses on Changing Role of HRM
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Sri Lanka – the nation’s leader in Human Resource Management conducted its 4th research symposium recently with an emphasis on ‘Embracing the changing role of HRM’. The CIPM research symposium is organized to disseminate research and development findings, creativity and innovations in Human Resource Management (HRM) and related areas for the benefit of students, practitioners, academia, researchers, government and non-government officials and the public.
The 4th CIPM research symposium was organized by the CIPM Standing Committee on Applied Research, HR Symposium & HR Publications headed by Dr. Chandana Jayawardena of Peradeniya University who redesigned the symposium in 2019 to enhance the CIPM research culture to materialize the academic efforts of the HRM community in fulfilling the aspirations of the public at large.
The symposium was held from 10 am to 5 pm on July 30. It attracted 80 research papers from the HR community out of which 31 papers were accepted and presented in the Oral and Poster categories. The symposium consisted of the inauguration event, three technical sessions for the categories of HR practitioners, CIPM students and University that were held concurrently, and the panel discussion with HR industry experts. Prof. Ananda Jayawardane-Former Vice Chancellor & Senior Professor, university of Moratuwa was the Chief Guest and the keynote speaker of the symposium. Over 150 online participants including the CIPM president & Council Members of CIPM Sri Lanka, past presidents, members, faculty and CIPM students participated together with a few foreign scholars.
Addressing the participants Jayantha Amerasinghe-President CIPM Sri Lanka illustrated the importance and value of research for a better understanding of the HR issues and problems prevalent in the workplaces and to address these matters with localized solutions. He also commended the involvement and contribution of the CIPM Symposium Chairman- Dr. Chandana Jayawardena and the Standing Committee on Applied Research towards the success of CIPM Sri Lanka. Speaking at the Symposium, Dr. Jayawardena indicated that dissemination of HRM research and development findings will be achieved through the Research Symposium and developing annual compilation of publications making them accessible, transparent, lucid and defendable. Prof. Ananda Jayawardane, the chief guest elaborated on the challenges and opportunities in embracing the changing role of HRM in the keynote address.
The highlight of the symposium was the panel discussion conducted as a plenary session with the participation of industry HR experts. They deliberated on the impact of HR strategies and practices on the effectiveness of organizations. The expert panel consisted of Sunil Dissanayake–CEO, BMICH, Sarath Kumara–HR Director, Camso Loadstar, Sujith Jayasekara–Senior General Manager, Brandix, Ms. Chryshanthi Lokuhetti–Chief HR Manager, Sampath Bank and HR veteran Jayanta Jayaratne as a special guest. The session was moderated by the Symposium Chairman. The three technical sessions reached out to HR Professionals, CIPM Students, and University scholars to broad-base and popularize the concept and importance of applied research in the field of HR. The preliminary findings of the first study undertaken by the CIPM Standing Committee of Applied Research was also presented. The Poster session which was also held online, allowed researchers to present their research through creative, informative digital posters.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”