’’Transforming the Future of Work: The 7th CIPM International Research Symposium.’’

The 7th CIPM International Research Symposium, which undoubtedly served as a significant milestone in advancing the field of human resources management and shaping the future of work, took place on May 25th and 26th, 2023, at the CIPM Auditorium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. With the overarching theme of "Transforming the Future of Work," the symposium was a prestigious platform attracting diverse researchers, scholars, professionals, and industry experts.

Dignitaries at the head table from left to right - Chairperson on the Symposium Prof. Prasadini Gamage, President CIPM Mr. Ken Vijayakumar, Prof. Jayantha Dewasiri, Professor at Sabaragamuwa University in Sri Lanka, CEO CIPM Mr. U.A.C Obeyesekere, Symposium Secretary Dr. Tharindu Gunathilake

A pre-symposium workshop was conducted on May 25th by Dr. Trevor Mendis, a Senior Management Consultant from the Postgraduate Institute of Management in Sri Lanka.

The official inauguration ceremony, held on May 26th, featured distinguished guests and experts in the field. Prof. Emma Parry, the Guest of Honor, a professor in HRM, Vice Chair of the British Academy of Management, Editor in Chief of the International Journal of HRM, and affiliated with the University of Cranfield in the United Kingdom, shared her inspirational thoughts and valuable perspectives setting the tone for the symposium, and sparking thought-provoking discussions among attendees.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the scholarly keynote address by Prof. Jayantha Dewasiri, a professor at Sabaragamuwa University in Sri Lanka and Brand Ambassador for Emerald Publishing in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, and Prof. Prasadini Gamage, the Chairperson of the symposium, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the symposium.

Panel Discussion

Two significant web pages were launched during the inauguration: the CIPM e-Repository of Research Publications and the CIPM HR Database. Wrapping up the inauguration ceremony, Dr Tharindu Gunathilake, the symposium secretary, delivered the vote of thanks.

A key component of the symposium was the panel discussion, which brought together prominent professionals in the field of HR management. The panelists included Mr Priyantha Ranasinghe, the Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka Inc., Mr Prabhath Ambegoda, the Group Chief Corporate Officer at Sri Lanka Telecom PLC., Colombo, Sri Lanka, Ms.Hasanthi De Saram, the Director of Human Resources at Asiri Group of Hospitals, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Mr. Vajira Ellepola, the Director-General of the Employees Federation of Ceylon, Colombo, Sri Lanka and the Moderator, Dr. Samantha Rathnayake, the Senior Management Consultant and Faculty Member at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

The symposium comprised ten technical sessions covering a wide range of research topics centered around "Transforming the Future of Work." Notable among the presentations was Dr. Tharindu Gunathilake's research project on the attraction and retention of youth in the paddy farming industry in Sri Lanka. Additionally, leading companies in Sri Lanka showcased their case studies, highlighting real-life examples of successful work practice and management strategy transformations within their organizations. The case study session was chaired by Mr. Mahendra Jayasekera, Managing Director, Lanka Wall Tiles Group of Companies, Sri Lanka, Mr. C. Hewapattini, Human Resource Consultant, Sri Lanka, and Mr. Priyankara Seneviratne, Hony. Secretary, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Sri Lanka

The symposium culminated with the Valedictory Session, chaired by Prof. Prasadini Gamage. Awards were presented to acknowledge outstanding research papers, presenters, and case study presenters. Mrs. Kamani Perera, the Manager of Research & Development, delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Symposium Chair Prof. Prasadini Gamage presented the Symposium Proceedings to CIPM President Mr. Ken Vijayakumar