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
Royal College Leads Education’s Digital Shift with Sri Lanka’s First Passive Optical LAN via SLT-MOBITEL

Heralding a new era in digital education, SLT-MOBITEL ENTERPRISE and Royal College recently collaborated over the trailblazing deployment of Sri Lanka’s first full-scale Passive Optical LAN (POL) solution powered by Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology.
Connecting learning spaces with robust, ultra-fast broadband, the project is designed to revolutionize teaching and learning practices, ensuring students and educators can thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The agreement was signed between Janaka Abeysinghe, Chief Executive Officer, SLT Group, and Aruna Samarajewa, Secretary, Royal College Union, in the presence of several officials representing both organizations.
Partnering with one of the country’s most prestigious institutions demonstrates SLT-MOBITEL ENTERPRISE’s dedication to advancing education through cutting-edge technology and reinforcing the company’s leadership in innovative solutions.
Achieving a historic first for the nation, the fully integrated, fibre-based Passive Optical LAN (POL) solution is the inaugural deployment of its kind for an educational institution. The new system incorporates enterprise-grade network security features, ensuring safe browsing and providing advanced protection against potential cyber threats. Controlled access to educational resources is seamlessly integrated into the network architecture, creating a protected and responsible environment that safeguards sensitive academic data while building trust among parents, educators, and the community.
As SLT-MOBITEL ENTERPRISE continues to drive technological advancement within the education sector, the project serves as a vital stepping stone towards broader integration with institutions island wide. The deployment supports efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that high-quality, innovative learning environments become accessible to students across the country.
Business
‘CEAT Cares’ supports 6th school in programme benefitting children of rubber farmers

Reinforcing its long-term commitment to community upliftment and sustainable sourcing, CEAT Kelani Holdings has conducted the sixth presentation of essential school supplies to children of Sri Lanka’s rubber farming community, this time at Meegama Kanishta Vidyalaya in Matugama.
Seventy students from grades 1 to 5 at the school received school bags, shoes, and exercise books as part of CEAT’s flagship CSR initiative, ‘CEAT Cares.’ This latest event brings the total number of students supported by the programme to 650, spanning key rubber-producing areas including Matugama, Ratnapura, Galle, Moneragala, Kandy, and Hatharaliyadda.
The event at Meegama Kanishta Vidyalaya was attended by CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene, members of the senior management, and authorised CEAT dealers in the area including Sarath Premachandra of Chandra Tyre Center, Chaminda Pushpakumara of Chaminda Tyre Service, and Kithsiri Senewirathna of Udagepola Tyre Center. The school principal, teachers, parents, and students also participated in the ceremony, which featured traditional dances performed by the children.
“Our commitment to the rubber farming community is an integral part of CEAT’s ethos,” Gunawardene said.
Business
Melwa introduces its latest product, SLS 414 certified first welding rod in Sri Lanka

Melwa, the leading steel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, recently introduced its latest product—Melwa Welding Rods—to the market. Produced by Melwa, a local company that has played a significant role in the development of the country’s construction sector, these welding rods are of high quality. Notably, they are 100% locally manufactured and come with SLS 414 certifications. This marks the first time a welding rod that is entirely locally produced has been introduced to the Sri Lankan market.
As part of the launch, a special workshop was held for welders in Balangoda on 24 June. During the session, participants were introduced to these welding rods and given the opportunity to test them out first-hand.
-
Opinion5 days ago
‘Daily shooting of wild elephants’ in Sri Lanka? Govt. gives out guns
-
Editorial5 days ago
Pyramids in Sri Lanka
-
Features5 days ago
Multi-faceted Sri Lankan celebrity … checking out land of birth
-
News6 days ago
Import bill falls, even as vehicle inflow climbs
-
Editorial6 days ago
Politics and English
-
News3 days ago
Country’s first wax museum opens at Ehelepola Walawwa
-
Features5 days ago
Reflections on Cuba, BRICS and geopolitics
-
Features5 days ago
Easter truth can be the beginning