Business
CIPM to host World HR Congress 2021 from December 6 – 8 in virtual mode

CIPM Sri Lanka – the Nation’s leader in human resource management together with the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA) and Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management (APFHRM) announced that the world’s most premier people event “World HR Congress 2021” will be held from December 6 to 8 2021 as a virtual conference experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The theme of the congress “Exalting People Professionals Amidst a Planetary Pandemic: Explore, Expand and Excel” is aptly selected as the people factor is at the pinnacle of limelight amid the planetary pandemic. The 3 value-packed days will deliberate on digitalization, disruption, diversity, and diligence regarding the distinct dimensions of human resource management with a select panel of world-renowned speakers lined up to share insights and thought-provoking ideas enabling thought leadership in the new world of work. The prospectus, registration, numerous sponsorship opportunities available, and more information can be found at https://wfpmacongress.com/ which is the dedicated website for Word HR Congress 2021.
“We take pride in hosting this prestigious people event in Sri Lanka. In a world disrupted by the pandemic, we need resilience as well as inspirational leadership to proceed into the future. New expectations and challenges have emerged in a new world of work and life. Innovation, best practices in people engagement, and trust are critical to achieve sustainable growth and rebuild our future. The World HR Congress 2021 is the apt place to deliberate the challenges and opportunities to strategize the New HR Agenda” said Jayantha Amarasinghe-President, CIPM Sri Lanka.
“The World Congress is an opportunity to bring together the continental federations and the national associations of 93 countries which make up the WFPMA. As the premier federation of people management associations, we are a globally recognized authority to support the people management profession throughout the world. Blending thought-provoking speakers with networking opportunities, this is a ‘must-attend’ congress that presents some of the best and brightest minds in the global people profession who will share the latest practices, research, and innovations to develop your knowledge and help you shape your organization’s future” said Bob Morton – President, WFPMA inviting people professionals and business leaders to participate in the Congress.
The virtual conference will consist of 4 plenary sessions, 4-panel discussions, and 4 rounds of concurrent technical sessions. The line-up of 21 experienced international panel of speakers, presenters, and panelists includes Johnny C. Taylor, Jr – President and CEO, Society for Human Resource Management-USA, Peter Cheese – CEO, Chartered Institute Personnel Development-UK, Sunita Bhuyan-Violinist & HR Practitioner on Wellness, Prof. TV Rao – Chairman, TVRLS-India, Paul Mills – Chief People Officer Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, and Dr. Archana Arcot – Assoc. VP HR Business Leader, Infosys McCamish-USA amongst many more experienced speakers.
“The World HR Congress is being held at a very crucial juncture of mankind. We are dealing with many complexities on top of this pandemic, juggling with people, planet, and profits. The new industrial era has already dawned, and we are on the brink of the next big thing, the 5th industrial revolution, where the human and machine will dance together as technology will help humans to vastly increase labor productivity and to align return on investment with purpose. However, it will require intentionality and moral clarity. Now that we are grappled with the corona pandemic, we shall overcome by getting used to the next normal where the world of work is challenged the most. The World HR Congress 2021 premier people event will explore, expand and excel in what matters in the new world of work and life” said Dhammika Fernando-Chairman, World HR Congress 2021 and Immediate Past President-CIPM Sri Lanka, President- Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management, Board Director- WFPMA.
“Despite the doom of a devastating pandemic, we see the boom of people factor in corporates with a deeper realization of the value of human wellbeing. World HR Congress 2021 invites people professionals to engage in a cutting-edge learning endeavor towards expansion” said Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, Co-chair of the World HR Congress 2021, who as a Past President of CIPM was instrumental in receiving the hosting rights during the previous World HR Congress, held in Chicago, USA in 2018.
With the impressive line-up of speakers and panelists sharing insights and experiences, networking opportunities with like-minded professionals to share best practices in people management in the new world of work, the World HR Congress 2021 provides a rare opportunity for people professionals and business leaders to mitigate the risks and challenges in a new world of work.
Business
Central Bank Presents Annual Economic Review 2024 to President

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT

IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Business
Eventistry Sports launches Sri Lanka’s inaugural franchise padel league

Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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