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SLT-MOBITEL sponsors 7th CIPM International Research Symposium 2023, reinforcing commitment to HRM best practices
SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, served as the proud sponsor of the 7th CIPM International Research Symposium 2023 for the third consecutive year. This year, the event was held as a hybrid event, combining both virtual and physical participation, at the CIPM Auditorium, located at HR House, 43, Vijaya Kumarathunga Mawatha, Colombo 05.
Under the theme of ‘Transforming the Future of Work,’ the symposium brought together professionals, scholars, and students from various sectors, locally and globally, in an effort to function as a unique platform for HRM practitioners and researchers to exchange insights and explore innovative approaches in human resource management. Recording a total submission of one hundred research papers by HR Professionals ranging from CIPM graduates to State and Non-State University scholars both at national and international levels, this edition of the symposium is of utmost significance.
Notable attendees at the symposium included Prabhath Ambegoda, Group Chief Corporate Officer, who represented SLT-MOBITEL in the panel discussion. His participation enriched the discussion with valuable insights and perspectives. Also, Asiri Indika, DGM – Talent Development Centre of SLT and Member of CIPM Standing Committee on National HR Data Hub with Research & Development Capabilities, presented the “Case Study Publication Book 2023” to the President of CIPM, Ken Vijayakumar. While Shrivi Sandamini, Engineer / Talent Development of SLT, presented a case paper titled “Developing Competency Assessment and Development Framework for Staff Engaged in Sales – Sri Lanka Telecom PLC.” These notable contributions by SLT-MOBITEL during the symposium further solidified the company’s strong presence and influence in the industry.
In collaboration with co-partners such as the Post Graduate Institute of Management (PIM), Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), Wayamba University, Sabaragamuwa University, University of Jaffna, University of Vavuniya, and Horizon Campus, the symposium witnessed a significant virtual participation of over four hundred individuals. Attendees comprised of professionals from the corporate sector, as well as representatives from universities, research institutes, and educational organisations.
The 7th CIPM International Research Symposium aimed to provide invaluable guidance and directives, enabling HRM practitioners, scholars, and students to share their research findings with local and international organisations. With a focus on HRM research capabilities, this symposium empowered participants to showcase their expertise and strategies, especially during challenging economic times.
At the symposium, the following publications for 2023 were published. Namely, International Research Symposium Proceedings, Case Study Book, Journal of HRM Perspectives – June and National Level Research on “Attraction and Retention of Youth in Paddy Farming”.
SLT-MOBITEL’s continued sponsorship of the CIPM International Research Symposium underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering HRM advancements and supporting knowledge sharing platforms. By actively engaging in initiatives that shape the future of work, SLT-MOBITEL solidifies its position as a leading force in the transformative landscape of today’s corporations.
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US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
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Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
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CIPM successfully concludes 8th Annual Symposium
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.