Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the critical importance of human capital development, lifelong learning, and collaborative leadership in driving Sri Lanka's long-term economic transformation while addressing the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Association of Human Resource Professionals (AHRP).
Congratulating AHRP on reaching a significant milestone, the Prime Minister commended the Association's founders, past presidents, members, and partners for their invaluable contribution to advancing the human resource profession in Sri Lanka over the past quarter century.
Reflecting on the country's economic recovery, the Prime Minister noted that while Sri Lanka has made encouraging progress in restoring confidence and strengthening institutions, sustainable national development requires a broader vision centred on competitiveness, innovation, productivity, environmental responsibility, and inclusive growth.
She emphasised that the nation's greatest competitive advantage lies not merely in its natural resources or financial capital, but in the knowledge, skills, creativity, resilience, and ethical values of its people.
"The future strength of our economy will depend on what our people know, how they adapt, and how effectively they collaborate," the Prime Minister stated, stressing that human resource development must remain a national priority.
Highlighting the Government's commitment to strengthening education and workforce development, she called for closer alignment between education, vocational training, industry, and employment needs. She stressed the importance of expanding digital literacy, technical education, lifelong learning opportunities, and continuous reskilling and upskilling to prepare Sri Lanka's workforce for rapidly evolving technologies and changing labour market demands.
The Prime Minister observed that building a future-ready workforce requires collective action, noting that government, educational institutions, employers, development partners, industry associations, and civil society all have vital roles to play in strengthening the country's human capital.
Recognising AHRP's contribution to transforming human resource management from an administrative function into a strategic discipline, she praised the Association's role in enhancing organisational performance, productivity, and professional standards across Sri Lanka.
Addressing HR professionals, the Prime Minister highlighted their expanding role in shaping organisational culture, nurturing leadership, promoting inclusion, supporting innovation, preserving trust and fairness, and ensuring that technological advancement remains centred on people.
She noted that true organisational success is measured not only by financial performance but also by the ability to develop people, embrace diversity, support employee wellbeing, and create opportunities for every individual to realise their full potential.She encouraged AHRP to continue strengthening professional standards, fostering dialogue between government, academia, and industry, and preparing Sri Lanka's workforce for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
She reaffirmed that Sri Lanka's long-term success will ultimately be determined by the capabilities developed within its people, calling human capital development "a shared national responsibility."
She congratulated AHRP on its 25 years of service and expressed confidence that the Association would continue making meaningful contributions towards building a resilient, inclusive, innovative, and prosperous Sri Lanka.
The Association of Human Resource Professionals (AHRP) proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary today, 16 July, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The milestone event brought together HR professionals, business leaders, industry partners, and distinguished guests to commemorate AHRP's 25-year journey of advancing the human resource profession in Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by Mr. Pradeep Saputantri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Thushara Jayawardhene, President of the Association, together with other distinguished guests, association members, and invited participants.
