The Department of Human Resources Management (HRM) was established on the 01st of May in 2007, along with the establishment of five other Departments of the Faculty of Management and Finance, with the aim of aligning the degree programmes with the trends and demands in the job market. HR being one of the most important functions in a company, we at the department endeavors to produce graduates who possess knowledge, skills and competencies to become successful HR professionals who can make a difference in a company through efficient and innovative practice of HRM.  Dr. Mayuri Atapattu is our current Head of the Department and she has been leading the Department since 2022. We are thankful to our former Heads of the Department mentioned below, who have been instrumental in leading and guiding the Department to reach its present heights. 

Our carefully developed curriculum covers all aspects of HRM considering the practical as well as the theoretical facets of HRM, while taking into consideration the newest trends in HRM. We have embarked on a well-planned out journey to integrate and collaborate with the industry to provide our learning partners the much-needed exposure to the industry. This include mentoring, shadowing, guest sessions, industry visits, problem-based learning and internships. 

Our small group of students makes it much easier for us to function as a family and carry out industry collaborations, interact more closely with students, engage in more personalized teaching and learning activities, provide a more effective academic guidance and create a positive atmosphere within the department. We are extremely proud of our alumnus, a very important part of our department, who hold managerial positions in different high-profile companies in the country and continues to assist our undergraduates in numerous ways. 

Our dedicated staff has excellent academic credentials and are highly regarded and respected in the area. In addition to their normal teaching and administration work, they also get involved in research, publications and industry consultancy work, which adds value to their teaching while providing a service to the industry. The non-academic staff members of the Department, are also well known as helpful and efficient and they give their best in all the endeavors of the Department.

Message from the Head of the Department

Dr. A. W. M. M. Atapattu

Senior Lecturer

Welcome to the Department of HRM at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo. HRM being one of the most important functions in a company, we at the department endeavors to produce graduates who possess knowledge, skills, and competencies to become successful HR professionals who can make a difference in a company through efficient and innovative practice of HRM. We are extremely proud of our alumnus, a very important part of our department, who hold managerial positions in different high-profile companies in the country and continues to assist our undergraduates in numerous ways.

Our carefully developed curriculum covers all aspects of HRM considering the practical as well as the theoretical facets of HRM, while taking into consideration the newest trends in HRM. We have embarked on a well-planned out journey to integrate and collaborate with the industry to provide our learning partners the much-needed exposure to the industry. This include mentoring, shadowing, guest sessions, industry visits, problem-based learning and internships. Our small group of students makes it much easier for us to function as a family and carry out industry collaborations, interact more closely with students, engage in more personalized teaching and learning activities, provide a more effective academic guidance and create a positive atmosphere within the department.

Our dedicated staff has excellent academic credentials and are highly regarded and respected in the area. In addition to their normal teaching and administration work, they also get involved in research, publications and industry consultancy work, which adds value to their teaching while providing a service to the industry. I cannot also forget our non-academic staff members, who are known to be the most helpful and efficient.

Former Heads of the Department

Chair Professor. Arosha S. Adikaram (2019-2022)

Prof. Pavithra Kailasapathy (2010-2013, 2017-2019)

Prof. Thilakshi Kodagoda (2013-2014)

Dr. N. N. J Navarathne (2007-2010, 2014-2017)

Academic Staff 

Chair Professor Arosha S. Adikaram

[PhD (Col), MA in Labour Studies (Col), BBA(Col), CTHE (Col), Accreditation for Teaching in Higher Education (SEDA), AMIPM (SL)]

Chair Professor

Professor D. T. D. Kodagoda

[PhD (Bradford, UK), M.Com (India), BCom (Col)]

Professor

Professor Pavithra Kailasapathy

[PhD (Melb), MSBA (UMass-Amherst), MS in HRM (New School), Cr Cert in OD (New School), BBA (Colombo), CTHE (Colombo), AMIPM (SL)]

Professor

Dr. Mayuri Atapattu

[PhD (UNSW, Australia)[MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA Certified Teacher in Higher Education (UK)]

Senior Lecturer – Grade I

Dr. Rajitha Silva

[PhD – University of Kelaniya, CTHE – Colombo, MBA –CSU,Aus, PGDip – UK, BBA – Col]

Senior Lecturer – Grade II

Senior Student Counsellor- University of Colombo

Dr. Dharshani Thennakoon

[ PhD (QUT-Australia), MBA (PIM – Sri Lanka), BBA (Col), CIMA Passed Finalist, CTHE (Col), SEDA Certified Teacher in Higher Education (UK), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK)]

Senior Lecturer – Grade II(On Leave)

Dr. Dhananja Wanninayake

[PhD (UNSW-Australia), MBA (PIM-SJP), BBA (Colombo), CIMA (Passed Finalist), CTHE (Colombo), SEDA Certified Teacher in Higher Education (UK)]

Senior Lecturer – Grade II

Ms Ruwaiha Razik

[Reading for PhD(Colombo),MBA – Waseda : Japan, B B Mgt ( HRM) : Kelaniya, Associate – Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (UK), Associate– Institute of Bankers ( Sri Lanka), Associate – Association of  Professional Bankers ( Sri Lanka)]

Senior Lecturer – Grade II (on study leave)

Mr. Yohan Perera

[MHRM (Kelaniya), B.B. Mgt. (Special) in HRM (Kelaniya)]
 
Lecturer

Ms. Asheni De Silva

[Reading for Mphil (Col), MBA (PIM-SJP), LLB (London), BBA (Colombo)]
 
Lecturer (Probationary)

Mr. Isuru Chandradasa

[BBA in HRM (Ruh, SL), Reading for MSc (Sjp, SL)]

Lecturer (Probationary)

Mr. Sachin Carlton

[Reading for MBA (Col), B.B. Mgt. (Special) in HRM (Kelaniya), AAT Passed Finalist]
 
Assistant Lecturer

Non Academic Staff 

Ms. W. D. K. Senani

Mr. T. M. N. Karunasekera

Bachelors of Business Administration (Honours) Degree in Human Resources Management

This programme intends to provide participants with the opportunity to understand Human Resources Management as an integral part of the overall business of an organization. Further, it would create infrastructure for the participants to acquire the competency to relate Human Resources Management with other functional areas of management.

 

Course Code Course Title Credits Course Status Semester Offered
HRM-3312  Research Methods  Core 
HRM-3200  Management Information Systems  Core 
HRM-3313  Employee Relations  Specialisation core 
HRM-3314  Employee Resourcing  Specialisation core 
HRM-3315  Learning and Development  Specialisation core 
HRM-3201  Personality Development  Specialisation optional 
HRM-3202  Taxation  Specialisation optional 
         
HRM-3316  Strategic Management  Core  VI 
HRM-3207  Enterprise Based Project  Core  VI 
HRM-3317  Performance and Reward Management  Specialisation core  VI 
HRM-3208  Seminar on Applied Research  Specialisation core*  VI 
HRM-3209  Seminar on Research  Specialisation core*  VI 
HRM-3203  Labour Law  Specialisation core  VI 
HRM-3204  Dispute Settlement and Negotiation  Specialisation optional  VI 
HRM-3205 International Human Resource Management 2 Specialisation optional  VI
HRM-3206  HR Ethics and Social Responsibility  Specialisation optional  VI 
HRM-3210  Team Development  Specialisation optional  VI 
         
HRM-4211 Contemporary issues in Human Resource Management 2 Specialisation core VII
HRM-4212  Strategic Human Resource Management  Specialisation core  VII 
HRM-4800  Dissertation  Specialisation core**  VII 
HRM-4600  Applied Research Project  Specialisation core**  VII 
HRM-4213  Constitutional and Administrative Law  Specialisation optional  VII 
HRM-4214  Employee Counseling  Specialisation optional  VII 
HRM-4215  Human Resource Analytics  Specialisation optional  VII 
HRM-4216 Human Resource Information Systems 2 Specialisation optional VII
 
HRM-4801  Industrial Training  Specialisation core  VIII 

Medals and Awards

The Department of Human Resources Management proudly offers two medals for undergraduates who pass out with outstanding record of academic and extra-curricular activities with the patronage of leading companies in Sri Lanka.

  1. The Suntel Gold Medal for the Most Outstanding HRM Graduate in Academic and Extra-Curricular Activities.

In order to gain this award, the selected candidate should be specialized in Human Resource Management by successfully completing BBA in HRM degree with first or second class (upper division) and excelled in extra-curricular activities including sportsmanship, aesthetic & cultural work, community engagement work and proven leadership.

  1. Link Natural Products Gold Medal by Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd.

This award is offered for the candidate who records the highest-Grade Point Average (GPA) considering the overall academic performance throughout the four years. Also, the student shall complete the degree with at least a second-class upper division in order to gain this award.

These awards can exclusively be gained by HRM students passing out from the Department of HRM and both these medals are offered at the annual general convocation of the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.

 

Course duration
  • The DHRM programme extends over a period of twelve months (one year) including lectures, continuous assessments, and written examinations.
Lecture schedule
  • This is a week-end programme and lectures are conducted on every Sundays during the one-year period.
Time breaks
  • Time breaks are in accordance with ‘Trimester’ schedule where one-third part of the academic year. 
  • A trimester has 15 weeks from its beginning and there are 3 trimesters for the whole programme of DHRM (duration of a trimester is subject to change based on circumstances).
Course units
  • There are 10 course units to be completed in DHRM programme. 
  • Those 10 course units are then divided into semesters (please refer 4.5. (pg. no. 17) Curriculum and Course Descriptions) for further details.
Coursework
  • This programme has only coursework with the inclusion of their academic and practical components. No research projects to implement in the programme.
  • The coursework consists with lectures and assignments endorsed by the relevant lecturer in a particular course unit. 
Credit allocation
  • The entire programme of DHRM consists with 30 credits. Thus, one course unit is worth for 3 credits.
Attendance
  • Minimum of 80% attendance is a prerequisite either for online lectures or onsite lectures.
  • The programme coordinator verifies attendance of every lecture conducted throughout the programme.
  • Learning partners are NOT permitted to sit for examinations if they do not satisfy the minimal attendance requirement.
Total investment
  • The total investment for the course is LKR 110,000
  • 50% of the total investment (LKR 55,000) should be paid before commencing the program.
  • Other than the course fee, learning partners should have to pay registration fee, supervision fee, examination fee, and library deposit fee

Contact Details

Mr Yohan Perera
Coordinator-DHRM online programme

Contact Details

Mr Isuru Chandradasa
Coordinator-DHRM onsite programme

 

 

SHE HROES – 2024
“Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”

The annual Women’s Day celebration of the Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo was successfully held on Wednesday, 5th March 2024 at the new conference hall, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo. The event was graced by Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne, the Vice Chancellor of the university who delivered an insightful speech. A few games and fun activities were held with the support of year III department undergraduates.
The Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo extends its heartfelt gratitude for the event organizers.
 
Photo credits – Lakmal Wijerathna

I-ACHIEVE INAUGURATION 2024

 
The I-Achieve program, the flagship all-in-one soft skill booster for undergraduates offered by the Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo inaugurated its 2024 program (batch 4) on 21 February 2024 at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.
The whole purpose of this program is to upskill the year three HRM undergraduates to meet contemporary corporate demands. Hence, the program functions on four pillars, 
(i) industry immersion; 
(ii) skilling and networking; 
(iii) innovativeness and collaboration; and 
(iv) career readiness and leadership.
Dr. Mayuri Atapattu, the HoD officially welcomed all the industry partners and students to the gathering whereas Dr. Dananja Wanninayake briefed the configuration and the functionality of the program. Mr. Sachin Carlton organized this event.
This inauguration was enriched with valuable insights shared by the industry partners for its further development. The Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo extends its sincere gratitude to the industry partners and the academic staff members who featured the event.

DHRM INAUGURATION CEREMONY 2023-2024

The inauguration and official welcome of the students selected for the 2023-2024 intake of the Diploma in Human Resource Management offered by the Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo marked a prolific conclusion on 17 December 2023.

The event was held at the Professor Jayarathne Auditorium at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo with the participation of 200+ students along with their parents. Professor Nihal Hennayake, the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Nimal Nawarathne, Dr. Mayuri Atapattu, the Head, of the Department of Human Resources Management, Dr. Rajitha Silva, and a few other academics attended this event.
Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Data Science and Analytics Consultant delivered an insightful keynote speech at this occassion and Dr. Nimal Nawarathne delivered a speech as a guest of honor. Mr. Nilanka Perera, the Head of the IT unit of the faculty conducted an awareness session on the usage of LMS for students.
The Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo sincerely wishes for all the new students in the DHRM 2023-2024 for a fruitful learning experience at the University of Colombo.

THE DEPARTMENT’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION – 2023

 
The Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo wishes a cheerful and celebrative season to all of its stakeholders. Professor Nihal Hennayake, the Dean, of the Faculty of Management and Finance, and Professor Pradeep Dharmadasa, the former dean of the faculty graced this event.
After a delicious happy meal, the staff members shared the secret Santa gifts.
Let us wish everyone to Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I-Achieve Programme

I-Achieve is a special soft skill development programme conducted by the Department of Human Resources Management exclusively aiming the undergraduates specializing in human resource management, where they are provided with various opportunities to develop themselves personally and professionally.
The program was initiated in 2019 and the first batch of students completed the program successfully. However, due to the pandemic, the programm was executed in a fully-virtual setting in 2020 and 2021.
Nevertheless, even amidst many challenges, the I-Achieve 2022 was successfully held from 7 February to 10 February 2022 at Faculty premises with onsite participation of both third and final year undergraduates. More than 60 undergraduates attended all 4 days and at the end of the workshop series, undergraduates who successfully participated in the program were awarded valuable certificates.
The 4 day program entailed the following, to ensure that the participants gain valuable insights and training for both personal and professional development. We also made sure that the students have fun and enjoy this brief break they had from online learning.

Workshop Resource Person
Industry Expectations from HRM Graduates Mr. Janaka De Silva

General Manager – Human Resources

Star Garments Group

Motivational Speeches Mr. Mahesh Kaluarachchi

Human Resource Manager

CBL Natural Food Cluster

 

Ms. Nadee Wickramasinghe

Certified Life Coach and Corporate Trainer

 

Mr. Thilina Yapa Bandara

Product Owner

Zone 24X7

Industry Specific Dialog Ms. Pulasthika Wirasinha

Head of Human Resources

London Stock Exchange Group

 

Ms. Chethana Liyanage

CEO – Maharaja Institute of Management (Pvt) Ltd. & Director – Talent Management, the Capital Maharaja Organization Ltd.

 

Mr. Dinuka Pattikiriarachchi

Chief Human Resources Officer

HNB Assurance PLC

 

Mr. Chamara Perera

Senior Manager – Human Resources

Operations – Hemas Hospitals Sri Lanka

Social and Business Etiquettes Professor Arosha Adikaram

Chair Professor in Human Resources Management

Head of the Department – HRM

Faculty of Management and Finance

University of Colombo

Dress for Success Ms. Sri Hansadhi Munasinghe

Lecturer (Temporary)

Department of Textile & Apperal Technology

Open University, Nawala, Nugegoda

Presentation Skills Ms. Ruwaiha Razik

Senior Lecturer in HRM

Department of Human Resources Management

University of Colombo

Mindfulness and Stress Management Mr. Tharindu Weerasinghe

Senior Lecturer in HRM

Department of Human Resource Management

Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies

University of Kelaniya

Yoga for a Better Life Vyash Kalyanasundaram

Chief Yoga Therapist – Astanka Yoga Mandir, Sri Lanka

Chief Yoga Instructor – Indian Cultural Centre, Colombo

Laptop Lend

‘Laptop Lend’ is another social responsibility initiative of the department. With the assistance of the HRM alumni of the department, a laptop was lent to a student who needed one to continue her studies uninterruptedly during this difficult time. Once the student passes out, the laptop will be lent to another needy student in the department.

HR Quarterly

This is an online quarterly newsletter which is published by the Department of HRM. The purpose of this publication is to enhance the intra-department collaboration between staff and students by creating a common platform for knowledge and experience sharing, appreciations on each other’s milestones, sharing departmental news, and providing an avenue for students to present their creativity. Furthermore, a selected top ranked HR professional features in each quarter with a guest interview, together with ‘a chat with a student’, ‘get to know your lecturers’ also featuring in the newsletter. The publication is also committed to sharing upcoming trends in the field. The newsletter is distributed online and is posted on the official Facebook page of the department for anybody to view. 

HRM Alumni Association

 

HRM Alumni Association

The Department of HRM has successfully initiated its Alumni Association in April, 2021.

The specific purpose of setting up an alumni association for the Department of HRM is three-fold;

  1. To set up a social network among our past students of the Department of HRM.
  2. To incept a discussion among us about recent trends, improvements, updates of the industry by sharing our views and knowledge with each other.
  3. To develop a job network facilitating the career advancement of both undergraduates and past students

The Board of Administrators (BOA) of the alumni association (appointed at the inaugural meeting, for two years, from 2021 to 2023 held on 7th April 2021);

  • President – Mr. Kanishka Ranaweera
  • Vice President – Ms. Shenali Guneratne
  • Secretary – Ms. Ishara Wiskremathilaka
  • Treasurer – Ms. Dushanthi Weerasekera

Appointed members (appointed at the inaugural meeting, for two years, from 2021 to 2023 held on 7th April 2021);

  • Dananja Wanninayaka 
  • Kanishka Patternot 
  • Vimukthi Gunarathna 
  • Eranga Ranansinghe 
  • Chandima Gayan 
  • Sanuja Kalhari
  • Dinusha Athulathmudali 

Hence, the Department of HRM warmly welcomes all its prospective alumnus who earned their Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resources Management to partner with us irrespective of their passing out year or graduation year.

If you need to become a member of the alumni association, please fill the following form by clicking on the link below.

https://forms.gle/RQFvWVPvNHNVuTrq9

 

The Freshers Welcome 2024

The welcome ceremony organized by the semester VII (final year) undergraduates in the Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo was successfully held on 14 February 2024 .  This year, 28 students have chosen HR as their future career. Mr. Ruvin Yapa featured in this event and delivered an insightful speech for students.
We extend our thanksgiving to our final-year students for organizing such a colorful event. The Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo wishes the newcomers a cheerful and sheering learning journey!

HR day

This is an important event in the department’s event calendar, organized by the final year HRM undergraduates. Usually, this is conducted as a full-day event with the patronage of the private- sector companies. In 2020, the HR day consisted of two events. First, the ‘sports day’, where students engaged in games and activities in order to boost their team working skills and self- confidence. Second, ‘the knowledge sharing session’, where a guest session on HR analytics and a panel discussion on contemporary HR issues/trends were held. HR day has always been a great opportunity for the HR students to improve their organizing skills, event management skills, communication skills, team working skills, and networking skills.

Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management (HDHRM)

Follow your dream to become a sound professional in HR with the endorsement of a prestigious National University!!

Introducing The Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management

Calling for applications for the onsite intake 2024-25

Find the online application here👇 https://forms.gle/SRv31ZVF9F1UjvZf8

🔹Pay the application fee of Rs. 2,000 to any branch of Peoples Bank.

🔸Payment code-312051200002

🔹Application Deadline- 30th November 2023

Department of Human Resources Management

Faculty of Management and Finance

University of Colombo

The Senate Awards for Research Excellence

The Senate Awards for Research Excellence acknowledge the academic staff members who make contributions to the University community through their outstanding research works. For the year 2022, Annual Research Symposium 2023 of the University of Colombo held on the 02th of November 2023 at the Prof. V. K. Samaranayake Auditorium of the University of Colombo School of Computing. For this time three senior lecturers from the Department of Human Resources Management have been awarded for Research Excellence in 2022.

General Category  

Professor (Chair) Arosha Adikaram and Professor Pavithra Kailasapathy

Early Career Category

Dr. Dananja Wanninayake

200 DOs and DON’Ts for Management Research Students’ Prof. Arosha Adikaram.

Professor (Chair) Arosha Adikaram, one of the pioneering academics of the Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo has proudly launched another book titled ‘ 200 DOs and DON’Ts for Management Research Students’. She has written this book with Professor Tharusha N. Gooneratne Professor (Chair) Department of Accounting.

This book was specially written for MPhil, PhD, and DBA students as well as those who are taking the research option in their Master’s degree, to navigate the day-to-day challenges of doing research for a postgraduate degree.

CVCD Award

(Organized biennially by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors Sri Lanka (CVCD), the “CVCD Excellence Awards” recognize and honor outstanding contributions and achievements in research, innovation, and invention by scholars in the Sri Lankan university system. The awards are presented in three categories: Most Outstanding Senior Researcher, Most Outstanding Young Researcher, and Most Outstanding Inventor.)

Professor Arosha S. AdikaramChair Professor in the Department of Human Resources Management, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka won the CVCD Excellence Award for “The Most Outstanding Senior Researcher” in the field of Management Studies (Lifetime Award). She is the former Head of the Department of Human Resources Management and coordinator of the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), University of Colombo. This time, the CVCD Awards Ceremony was held in the BMICH on 9th June 2023, having His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialistic Republic of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest. The event was also graced by the presence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the University Grant Commission, and Vice-Chancellors and Directors of Universities, Deans of Faculties of Sri Lanka.

Prof. Arosha Adikaram has launched a new book.

Professor (Chair) Arosha Adikaram, one of the pioneering academics of the Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo has proudly launched another book titled ‘සුළු සහ මධ්‍ය ව්‍යාපාර සදහා අත්‍යවශ්‍ය සේවක නීති රීති’ (Labour Laws for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises).
This book was specially written for entrepreneurs in small and medium businesses.  This is a Stamford Lake Publication and will be available in all leading bookshops. 
If you want to order this book right now, please call the following number and reserve a book.
 
+94 75 244 7854
 
Congratulations, madam on your new publication.

Prof. Nimal Navaratne has launched a newbook

 
Prof. Nimal Navaratne, a retired senior academic in the Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo launched three new books. This book launching ceremony was held on January 5, 2023, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo.
 
Congratulations, sir on your new publications.

Inquiries

Fill form to contact the department

Address

Department of  Human Resource Management
Faculty of Management & Finance
University of  Colombo,
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.

Phone

+94-11 25 52 364

Email

 

Dr. Mayuri Atapattu, Head of the Department 077 360 7454 head@hrm.cmb.ac.lk 
Ms. Asheni De Silva, Industrial Training Coordinator 071 631 4249 asheni@hrm.cmb.ac.lk 
Dr. Dananja Wanninayake, I – Achieve Programme Coordinator 077 69 78 524 dananja.wanninayake@hrm.cmb.ac.lk
Mr. Yohan Perera, DHRM Online Coordinator 077 127 9068 dhrm@hrm.cmb.ac.lk
Mr. Isuru Chandradasa, DHRM Onsite Coordinator 071 374 6107 dhrm@hrm.cmb.ac.lk /
dhrmcoordinator@fmf.cmb.ac.lk
Dr. Dananja Wanninayake, Academic Coordinator – HRM Alumni Association
077 69 78 524 dananja.wanninayake@hrm.cmb.ac.lk