Council Member Chandima Premachandra, CIPM Sri Lanka President Priyantha Ranasinghe, CIPD (UK) Chief Executive Officer Peter Cheese and National HR Conference Committee Chairman Col. Saman Jayawickrama

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPD ACE) 2024, which was held in Manchester, UK, brought together over 7,000 HR professionals, business leaders and thought leaders from around the world for an engaging and transformative event. 

As a premier gathering for the global HR community, the conference offered a rich mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities. The event was designed to tackle the most pressing issues in HR today, from technological innovation and AI integration to employee well-being and organisational agility.

Among the distinguished international delegates, a team from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM), including President Priyantha Ranasinghe, NHRC Organising Committee Chairman Colonel Saman Jayawickrama and Council Member Chandima Premachandra attended the conference. Their attendance reflected the CIPM’s ongoing commitment to staying aligned with global HR trends and strengthening the professional development of HR practitioners in Sri Lanka.

Day one focused on the future of work, delving into the role of AI in HR, the future of talent management and how digital tools can enhance employee engagement. 

Day two brought attention to leadership development, diversity and inclusion and the evolving nature of organisational cultures. Sessions emphasised how HR leaders can navigate uncertainty, lead change effectively, and build more inclusive workplaces. 

For the CIPM delegation, the conference proved to be a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas and learn from global HR leaders. Reflecting on the experience, Ranasinghe emphasised the importance of the conference in strengthening ties with international HR experts. 

“The conference was a premium opportunity to strengthen our ties with likeminded HR professionals and thought leaders across the globe. Furthermore, it reaffirmed our commitment to align ourselves with international HR trends and best practices while advancing global HR practices in Sri Lanka,” he said.

It was also a great opportunity to meet CIPD CEO Peter Cheese and former World Federation of HR Associations President Bob Morton in person and discussed about the developments of both institutes.