D.E.W. Gunasekara emphasises importance of proper HR policy

Thursday, 3 July 2014 00:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Senior Minister of Human Resources D.E.W. Gunasekara addressing the inauguration of the National HR Conference 2014 as Chief Guest emphasised the need to build the country’s human capital in its efforts for economic progression and also highlighted on the upcoming national human resources policy.

Senior Minister for Human Resources D.E.W. Gunasekara delivering his speech

The National HR Conference is the foremost human resources event where the latest trends in human resource management are shared amongst the HR fraternity. Organised annually by the Institute of Personnel Management (IPM) this year it was held at the BMICH on 18 and 19 June. Addressing the audience at this prestigious event, the Minister drew attention to the need for proper policy planning related to human resource management in Sri Lanka’s economic development process, especially considering the fast-paced nature, competitiveness and globalisation of the world’s economy. Further, according to Minister D.E.W. Gunasekara, production and productivity via precious human resources are the key elements that drive a country’s economy, thereby needing a properly formulated policy with regard to human resources management. The Minister stated that the Cabinet has already approved the human resources policy, as well as the master-plan for its implementation, which has been framed by the Ministry of Human Resources, and that the policy will soon be presented to the Parliament for approval. He also pointed out that Sri Lanka is far behind in such policy making and implementation, considering most of the other countries, especially even some of the developing countries. Elaborating more on the policy the Minister stated: “It is an all arching policy which embraces 10 key ministries including education, higher education, vocational training, foreign employment, labour, productivity, public administration, science and technology etc. We have also brought other relevant ministries under one roof in the preparation of the policy.” Further, he explained that the national policy on HR is formulated taking into consideration the policies of each of these ministries, and ensuring that all related policies fall in line. The IPM, the premier HR institute of the country, was commended by the Minister for its effort towards uplifting of the profession in the country. The Minister pointed out that the IPM is a professional body which has been mandated by an Act of Parliament, to promote and develop the profession and that today it has lived up to its expectations both as an academic institution and a professional body. As a concluding point the Minister stated that with the increasing need for strategic human resource management the HR professionals of the country, both in the private and publics sectors will be playing a crucial role in contributing towards Sri Lanka’s economic growth. Following is the speech made by Gunasekara at the inauguration of the HR Conference: Good evening friends, I am extremely delighted to be with you this pleasant evening on this significant occasion of National HR Conference. I must express my deep appreciation to the leaders of IPM for their kind gesture in inviting me as Chief Guest. I am also pleased to see a galaxy of professionals including those renowned guest speakers who are here today to share their expertise at the National HR Conference. It needs to be acknowledged and appreciated that the prestigious IPM’s effort to bring all experts, professionals and students to one platform provides a splendid opportunity for them to demonstrate their talents. The striking feature of this National Conference, as I heard, is the great debate scheduled to take place, an unparallel event which enhances its significance particularly in strengthening the concept of human resources.

HR Policy

As Senior Minister for Human Resources, I wish to keep you informed that it was only a few days back that I received the approval of the Cabinet for my Human Resources Policy for the country together with the Master Plan for implementing the policy. I shall very soon present them in Parliament seeking a fruitful debate. As you know, our country never had a HR policy since Independence. We were in fact lagging behind the emerging countries and even developing countries. In the post-conflict economic development process, particularly in view of the growing need for competitiveness in the global economy, the urgency for a National HR Policy was felt and this task was entrusted to me by the Cabinet. It is an all-arching Policy which embraces 10 key Ministries including Education, Higher Education, Vocational Training, Foreign Employment, Labour, Productivity, Public Administration, Science and Technology, etc. We have also brought other relevant Ministries under one roof in the preparation of the policy. The Co-ordinating Unit in the Senior Ministers Secretariat will function steering the implementation through the line Ministries. The Policies of each of these Ministries will fall in line with the National Policy. We have just commenced the process of implementing it.

Human Resources

Today, we have an overall picture of our potential human resources in the National economy. We have hitherto been focusing our attention on our natural resources and physical resources, regardless of the most important factor of production and productivity i.e. Human Resources.

With the globalisation of the world economy and with the accelerated development of science and technology, it became imperative for our country to formulate a HR Policy. I am fully aware that IPM has come forward enthusiastically and energetically to uplift the HR profession in Sri Lanka as it is the only professional body which has been mandated by the government by an Act of Parliament in 1976 to promote and develop the profession. It has today received the recognition of the people. The international recognition is already there, with your affiliation to Asia-Pacific and World Federation. I recently participated in the launching of the IPM Definition, again fulfilling a long-felt need. I am sure, that before long, your Institute would receive the Chartered Status and it will be another significant landmark in the annals of the IPM.

Policy for State sector enterprises

With the Cabinet approval, I yesterday embarked another initiative to formulate a Policy for our State sector enterprises. This was what I discovered in the course of my three-year stewardship as Chairman of the COPE, the Parliamentary Select Committee for Public Enterprises. Of all public enterprises of commercial nature, we have been able to make them profitable or bring them break-even level excepting for four institutions. Absence of professionalism is the root cause of the decline of public enterprises. It is with that in view that we initiated a process of formulating Policy for Public Enterprises which will lead to a major restructuring of our public enterprises.

Demand for HR professionals

With these innovations and restructuring processes, the demand for HR professionals will be enhanced in the public sector and I believe that you will be blessed with an opportunity to exhibit your professionalism. With a note of optimism I give my heartfelt thanks and also blessings to the leaders of IPM for their kindness. I express my deep appreciation once again for their magnificent contribution for the cause of your profession. I wish your efforts all success.