Business
Revolutionizing Sri Lanka’s HR practices, CIPM and SLSI unveil National HRM Standards
On a momentous occasion, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM) and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) unveiled the National Human Resource Management (HRM) Standards on April 30th, 2024, at the prestigious Blu Orbit by Citrus. This event, graced by esteemed Chief Guest Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, and Guest of Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Chairman of SLSI, alongside CIPM President Ken Vijayakumar, marked a significant milestone in the country’s HRM landscape.
Chief Guest Minister Manusha Nanayakkara emphasised the importance of National HRM Standards, stating, “We are embarking on a new journey to ensure that every Sri Lankan worker benefits from standardised, equitable, and exemplary HR practices.” He stressed the critical role of standardised HRM practices in driving economic growth and social development. He further stated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives like the National HRM Standards, highlighting their potential to rebuild Sri Lanka for future challenges. Minister Nanayakkara praised the collaborative efforts of CIPM and SLSI in spearheading this initiative and appreciated the role of CIPM: “This alignment underscores CIPM’s dedication to improving employment standards at a time when the global spotlight is shining on labour rights and achievements.”
Established in 1959 as the Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (IPM), it was later rebranded as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in 2018. It aims to enhance HR practices in Sri Lanka. Mandated by law, CIPM SL regulates people management practices, holds membership in APFHRM, and is affiliated with WFPMA. Collaborating with the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), CIPM embarked on creating comprehensive national HRM standards.
Under the visionary leadership of Jayantha Amarasinghe, Immediate Past President of CIPM, National HR Standards were formulated, and the Sectoral Community was established. Chaired by Dhammika Fernando, the Sectoral Committee, consisting of Ms Ruwani Senevirathne (Secretary), Priyantha Ranasinghe, Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, Aruna Jayasekera, C. Hewapattini, Dr. Chandana Jayawardhane, Dhammika Kobbekaduwa, Sanjaya Walpita, and Dr Sanjaya Jayasuriya, collectively ensured that the National HRM Standards maintain the highest standards of professionalism and innovation.
The National HRM Standards comprehensively cover six critical areas of HR practice: HR Strategy and Planning, HR Organizational Governance, HR Service Delivery, HR Development and Performance, HR Measurement and Analytics, and HR Ethics and Professionalism.
Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, highlighted that the newly launched standards will establish a national framework for HRM, ensuring uniformity in practices that elevate quality, consistency, and credibility. Developed through rigorous research, consultations, and validation, these standards offer clear guidelines for HR excellence and self-assessment tools for practitioners and institutions to enhance performance. Aligning HR policies with global benchmarks fosters continuous improvement and innovation while recognising and rewarding HR excellence. Vijayakumar emphasised that these standards will cultivate a culture of professionalism, contributing to national prosperity and sustainable development goals.
The National HRM standards were launched in the esteemed presence of key stakeholders, the sectoral committee tasked with establishing the National HRM Standards, the distinguished Head of HRs representing various industries, the CIPM President and Executive Council members, esteemed Past Presidents, individuals comprising the Standing Committee on setting up People Management Standards, Certification, & Accreditation, as well as the esteemed Senior Management of the CIPM.
Dr Asanga Ranasinghe, Chairman of SLSI and Guest of Honour, hailed the launch as a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards economic development in a rapidly changing world. He commended CIPM for its pivotal role in formulating the national standards in collaboration with SLSI. Dr. Ranasinghe emphasised the importance of garnering support from all relevant parties for the smooth execution of these standards.
Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.
The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.
Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.
The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.
The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.
Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).
Business
A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem
The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.
Establishment of the New Advisory Committee
To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:
• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.
• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.
• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.
New Trustee Appointment
Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.
A Vision for the Future
“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.
The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.
Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.
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