Hemas Recognised for Excellence in People and Culture Practices

Hemas Holdings PLC has been ranked among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 National Best Employers at the inaugural EFC National Best Employer Awards 2025, organised by the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC). This recognition is a significant milestone that reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to people-centric leadership and a values driven culture.

The award recognises organisations that place people practices at the heart of business strategy while demonstrating excellence in leadership effectiveness, culture, governance, and contributions to the country’s socio-economic development. Evaluated through a comprehensive employer assessment framework, Hemas’ inclusion among the Top 10 is a strong recognition of the high standards and consistency of its people and culture practices across its diverse portfolio.

Culture as a Competitive Advantage

At the core of Hemas’ success is a deeply held belief that its work culture is a key competitive advantage. This belief is reflected across the Group through a strong, values-driven culture anchored in trust, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. 

Commenting on the recognition, Ravi Jayasekera, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer of Hemas Holdings PLC, said: “At Hemas, we have always set high standards for our people and culture practices, and this recognition affirms that commitment. We genuinely believe culture is a competitive advantage and remain focused on creating workplaces where our people can learn, grow, and be their best.”

Capability and Leadership at the Core of Growth

With a workforce of over 4,500 employees across multiple sectors, Hemas continues to make sustained investments in building future-ready capabilities and leadership. 

Leadership development remains a strategic priority, driven through the Hemas Leadership Academy, which delivers co-created programmes aligned to global standards and facilitated by renowned experts. Talent management is further strengthened through structured Group-wide talent reviews and succession planning processes, reinforcing leadership depth and organisational resilience.

The Group is also conducting training on skills for the future such as AI across the group to upskill and build capability for the future. 

Wellbeing at the Heart of Performance

At Hemas, employee wellbeing is recognised as a critical enabler of sustained performance and long-term success. 

Supported through a holistic, dedicated, and independently funded programme, the Group addresses physical, mental, and emotional health in an integrated manner. This commitment is translated into action through initiatives such as regular health screenings, access to counselling and psychotherapy services, mindfulness and resilience programmes, and fitness initiatives-collectively enabling healthier lifestyles, higher engagement, and better performance across the organisation.

Driving Gender Equity and Workforce Inclusion

Hemas’ people strategy is anchored in a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, with a clear focus on removing barriers and enabling the full participation and progression of its female workforce. 

Advancing women in leadership, strengthening gender equity, and supporting employees to balance professional and personal responsibilities are central to this approach. 

This commitment is further reinforced through flexible working arrangements, parental leave benefits that exceed statutory requirements, targeted leadership development programmes, and initiatives such as the Single Parent Support Network-together fostering inclusive, supportive workplaces that respond to the diverse and evolving needs of employees across the Group.

An employer of choice

By closely aligning its people strategy with business objectives, and reinforcing it through sustained investment, strong governance, and inclusive leadership, Hemas continues to build workplaces where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute to long-term value creation. 

As the Group advances on its journey of growth and transformation, Hemas remains committed to nurturing environments where people thrive and grow-reinforcing its position as an employer of choice in Sri Lanka.