Symposium on ‘Does HR Drive Business or Business Drive HR?’

A successful panel discussion hosted by Masters of HRM was held on 23 October at the new auditorium of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies at University of Kelaniya.       

With the panel discussion theme, ‘Does HR Drive Business or Business Drive HR?’ the symposium consisted of a mix of local sector experts to share their experiences and insights. The event had over 450 participants attending.

The Chief Guest from the Department of HRM of University of Kelaniya, Dr. Udaya Mohan Devdas, critically discussed the real aspect of HR in the context of contemporary business with a much deeper understanding citing that HR is no longer a business partner, but HR is the business.

The respected panellists were:

Thushara Hettihamu, the Consultant-in-Chief at H2 Consultancy, coupled his technical HR and people skills of how HR will reshape itself to become the critical driver of agility.  

Amitha Lokuwithanage, Head of Cluster Human Resources at Samson Rubber Industries, emphasised that HR needs to become the architects of great structures which can go loose to tight when the situation needs it, and build for agility and invention – not rigidity and compliance. 

Samiddha Rathnayake, Head of Human Resources at Johan Keells Logistics, addressing the forum stated what HR should be doing to have more business impact on driving growth. 

Dinuka Rashange, Manager Human Resources at Pyramid Wilmar, successfully managed the thinking process by moderating the event.  

The knowledge of the symposium will be disseminated to national HR context through Kelaniya Journal of HRM.