CIPM National HR Conference 2026 Redefines Leadership in the AI Era 📈

CIPM Sri Lanka successfully concluded its flagship annual National HR Conference 2026 themed “The Human Edge in the Age of AI” on 14–15 October at Monarch Imperial, bringing together key stakeholders to align human intellect with technological advancement. • Conference Participation & Reach • Over 1,200 local and international delegates attended. • Featured 8 technical sessions, 2 C-suite panel discussions, and a National HR Exhibition with 31 technology service providers. • Key Industry Recognition & Awards • Prof Dave Ulrich: Conferred CIPM Honorary Membership for lifetime global HR leadership. • Dhammika Fernando: Received the "Pride of CIPM" Award. • Wasanthi Stephen (Janashakthi Group): Named 2026 CIPM–Baur Lifetime Gold Award winner, becoming the first woman to win the honor since its inception. • The Great HR Debate: Janashakthi Group emerged as champion, with Central Bank of Sri Lanka as runner-up. • Economic & National Context • Keynote addresses highlighted that as AI automates cognitive tasks, building the "human edge" remains vital to corporate competitiveness, talent retention, and productivity across Sri Lanka's services, corporate, and ICT/BPM sectors.