Expolanka’s Asitha Jayatunga wins global award for HR leadership

Head of Group Human Resources – Expolanka Holdings PLC and Vice President – Association of HR Professionals Sri Lanka (HRP) Asitha Jayatunga was presented with the HR Leadership Award at the World HRD Congress 2012 held recently at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

The Jury and Council of Board members conferred the award to recognise the ‘Best of Best’ with the core objective of benchmarking talent and HR practices. Jayatunga was also a member of the elite panel of professionals who presented papers at the congress, speaking on the theme of ‘Evolving HR Strategies,’ on invitation by the Global Advisory Council.

Speaking on his achievement, Jayatunga said: “It is truly a great honour to have received this award at an international gathering of some of the most respected human resource professionals from around the world. It is good to be among such professionals who work tirelessly to move the human resource function to greater heights.

I wish to thank my current and former employers for their support and encouragement during my career as well as the Association of HR Professionals for creating opportunities to give leadership to numerous national and international HR initiatives.”

On conferring the award, Jack Jones, Global Chairman, for the Global Advisory Council which guides the strategic intent of the congress, said: “Your leadership and contribution to the field of HR is well known.

The position that you occupy in the fraternity is strategic and iconic. As a thinker and doer you are a role model and a believer in change. I am pleased to let you know that the Jury and Council of Board members would like to confer the HR Leadership Award on you.”

Jayatunga possesses 13 years of experience in Human Resources, nearly eight of which were in managerial positions. Asitha gives leadership to the HR function of Expolanka Holdings PLC, a diversified conglomerate listed in the Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Prior to his six years spent with the Expolanka Group, Jayatunga worked at the reputed conglomerate Hemas Holdings PLC. His skill in directing HR initiatives has earned him several leadership positions, most recent been the Project Chairmanship in organising the HRM Awards 2012. He has engaged in many other national and international HR forums and projects.

His numerous qualifications include a MBA from Edith Cowan University, Australia, an IPMA-CP (Certified HR Professional) from IPMA-HR USA, a Diploma in HRM from the London Business School and a Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from CIM UK.

He is a member of SHRM-USA and IPMA-HR USA. He also carries Associate Membership (ACIM) at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. Asitha is also an active member of the Association of HR Professionals (HRP), Sri Lanka where he has held Executive Committee positions for the last seven years and at present is the Vice President of the Association.

The World HRD Congress is an Executive Level Retreat in which participants review evolving trends in HRM that could change their paradigm on leading people at work.

It provides an opportunity to acquire skills to maximise competencies and become a more knowledgeable contributor in the organisation.

Besides networking opportunities, the conference offers unique in-depth approaches to understanding important workplace issues that affect an organisation’s viability in today’s fast-paced business environment.