HRP seminar on ‘People Leaders’ role in a national crisis

Sri Lankan Human Resource professionals must take the lead in developing and executing corporate polices which prioritise security while effectively balancing organisational goals with the practical needs and emotional well- being of employees in order to facilitate a rapid economic recovery.

These were among several vital and timely topics discussed in detail at the recently concluded seminar organised by the Association of HR Professionals (HRP) at the BMICH Colombo along the theme: ‘People Leaders’ role in a National Crisis’, the association said in a media release.

The event featured a keynote delivered by Sri Lanka Army Commander, Lt. General Mahesh Senanayake who spoke on the most pressing challenges and priorities for Sri Lanka, particularly in terms of national security and macroeconomic challenges and also provided some much needed guidance and direction on strategies and policies that will need to be implemented in order to put Sri Lanka back on track.

In achieving this goal, he stressed on the vital need for company leaders to communicate effectively while making correct timely decisions, and at the same time remaining focused on motivating, supporting and encouraging employees to redouble their efforts in the face of adversity.

His keynote address was followed by a high powered panel discussion featuring some of Sri Lanka’s most respected HR l eaders including Hayleys Group Head of Human Resources, L e g al and Cor p o r a t e Communications, Darshi Talpahewa together with Brandix Group Chief People Officer, Ishan Dantanarayana; Commercial Bank Deputy General Manager – HRM, Isuru Thilakawardana, John Keells Holdings Executive Vice President and Head of Group HRM, Isuru Gunasekera; BMICH D i r e c t o r / C E O, Sunil Dissanayake and Standard Chartered Bank Head of Human Resources, Ransi Dharmasiriwardhana. The panel discussion was moderated by Union Bank of Colombo PLC Vice President HRM, Ravi Jayasekera.

Commenting on t he significance of the seminar, HRP Pre s i d e n t Ishan Dantanarayana said: “Our motherland today stands at a crossroads, and as an association, we fir mly believe that each Sri Lankan must do everything in their power to stand united and find ways for each of us to contribute by sharing their knowledge and expertise in order to support a speedy recovery. One of our most pressing concerns facing corporates today is the question of how to act responsibly in this time of crisis. Moving forward, each of us as HR professionals must now re- evaluate our policies and protocols in order to ensure that our people are safe, and that our economy can continue to develop.”

Established in 2000, the Association of Human Resource Professionals (HRP) is Sri Lanka’s only professional network of practicing HR professionals.