The Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo, successfully conducted the “Empowering Professionals for Future Labour Management”, a residential learning experience workshop for Year II students of the Bachelor of Labour Management (BLM) Programme on 23rd and 24th July 2026 at Club Bentota.
The two-day residential programme was organized with the objective of enhancing students’ academic knowledge, leadership competencies, teamwork, communication skills, and professional development through a combination of expert lectures, discussions, interactive learning activities, and practical experiences from industry experts and eminent academics.
The programme was conducted under the direction of Prof. DAC Suranga Silva, Director, IHRA, University of Colombo, reflecting his continuous commitment towards providing innovative learning opportunities and developing competent, industry-ready labour management professionals.
The workshop commenced with an insightful Guest Lecture delivered by Senior Professor HHDNP Opatha, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and a UGC appointed member for the Board of Management, IHRA, University of Colombo.
Senior Professor Dr. HHDNP Opatha, a Litterarum Doctor, is the first Professor of Human Resource Management (HRM) in Sri Lanka and the first Senior Professor and Chair of HRM in the country. He has pioneered several textbooks, scholarly publications, and research articles in the field of HRM in Sri Lanka, while also contributing to a number of locally and globally recognized theoretical formulations in HRM. With over 37 years of active teaching experience, he has educated thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as industry professionals. He is widely regarded as the Sri Lankan Guru of HRM for his exceptional contributions to the advancement of Human Resource Management education, research, and practice.
The academic sessions included:
- Session I: Human Resource Management – Developing Workplace Excellence (Student Presentations)
- Session II: BLM 2232 – Macroeconomics: Enhancing Critical Thinking conducted by Dr. BLJS Balasooriya, Visiting Lecturer, IHRA, University of Colombo and a UGC appointed member for the Board of Management, IHRA, University of Colombo.
- Session III: BLM 2235 – Business Law: Workplace Negotiation and Conflict Resolution conducted by Dr. KAAN Thilakarathne, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo.
- Session IV: The Art of Professional Dining
- Session V: Financial Literacy and Self-Financing conducted by Mr. Sampath Siriwardana, a member of the academic coordinating committee and extension board, IHRA, University of Colombo.
The second day featured a Team-Building and Leadership Development (OBT) programme conducted by Mr. Suranga Tennakoon, providing students with practical exposure to leadership, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
The programme was graced by Prof. DAC Suranga Silva, Director, IHRA, University of Colombo, together with Prof. Sagara Chandrasekara; Dr. Wijayantha Ukwatte, Senior Lecturer; Mr. Nihal Hewage, Senior Lecturer; Ms. Sugandika Sandamali, Senior Lecturer; IHRA, University of Colombo and Dr. Rajitha De Silva, Senior Lecturer; Ms. Ishara Gamage Silva, Lecturer, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo; and Mr. Charitha Bandara, Senior Assistant Bursar, IHRA, University of Colombo.
The residential learning experience provided students with a valuable platform to strengthen their academic knowledge while developing essential professional and interpersonal competencies required for successful careers in labour management.
