The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) continued its legacy of excellence in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) at its annual graduation ceremony on October 26, 2023, held at the BMICH in Colombo.

Under the theme “Elevating Excellence, Celebrating HRM Professionals,” the event commemorated the dedication and achievements of 699 graduates who completed various HRM programs. These programs included BSc and MSc degrees in Human Resource Management and Development from the University of Salford, Manchester, UK, as well as CIPM’s own Chartered Qualification in Human Resource Management (CQHRM), Professional Qualification in Human Resource Management (PQHRM), Diploma in Training and Human Resource Development (DTHRD), Diploma in Industrial Relations & Employment Law (DIREL), and Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH).

The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, who was the Chief Guest for the event. His wealth of experience and leadership in the corporate world added prestige to the occasion, and his address inspired the graduates to continue striving for excellence in their HRM careers.

Ken Wijayakumar, the President of CIPM, also addressed the gathering, offering insights and his vision for the future of HR: “The Chartered qualification in HRM (CQHRM) introduced in 2020 received accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development in the UK in 2021. “Remember, obtaining a qualification is just the beginning; to excel as an HR professional or Manager, it is crucial to continually enhance your knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the dynamic demands of the industry”, he added.

U.A.C. Obeyesekere, the CEO of CIPM Sri Lanka, delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all the attendees, sponsors, and individuals involved in organising the successful event.” All these graduates will be stepping into a new phase in their lives as they embark on furthering their professional careers in Human Resource Management. I fervently hope that every student who graduates with CIPM will experience an excellent new beginning in their professional career,” he said.

The audience included the graduates’ proud parents, CIPM’s Executive Council members, and the dedicated faculty and staff who played a pivotal role in the students’ education and development.

The CIPM’s annual graduation ceremony is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to promoting the highest HRM education and development standards. Graduates carry their qualifications into the professional world and uphold the values and principles instilled by CIPM, setting a high standard for HR professionals in Sri Lanka.