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. A. W. M. M. Atapattu
[PhD (UNSW, Australia)[MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA Certified Teacher in Higher Education (UK)]
Senior Lecturer – Grade II

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. S.D.K. 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

Mr. Sachin Carlton
Non Academic Staff

Mr. 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 | 3 | Core | V |
HRM-3200 | Management Information Systems | 2 | Core | V |
HRM-3313 | Employee Relations | 3 | Specialisation core | V |
HRM-3314 | Employee Resourcing | 3 | Specialisation core | V |
HRM-3315 | Learning and Development | 3 | Specialisation core | V |
HRM-3201 | Personality Development | 2 | Specialisation optional | V |
HRM-3202 | Taxation | 2 | Specialisation optional | V |
HRM-3316 | Strategic Management | 3 | Core | VI |
HRM-3207 | Enterprise Based Project | 2 | Core | VI |
HRM-3317 | Performance and Reward Management | 3 | Specialisation core | VI |
HRM-3208 | Seminar on Applied Research | 2 | Specialisation core* | VI |
HRM-3209 | Seminar on Research | 2 | Specialisation core* | VI |
HRM-3203 | Labour Law | 2 | Specialisation core | VI |
HRM-3204 | Dispute Settlement and Negotiation | 2 | Specialisation optional | VI |
HRM-3205 | International Human Resource Management | 2 | Specialisation optional | VI |
HRM-3206 | HR Ethics and Social Responsibility | 2 | Specialisation optional | VI |
HRM-3210 | Team Development | 2 | Specialisation optional | VI |
HRM-4211 | Contemporary issues in Human Resource Management | 2 | Specialisation core | VII |
HRM-4212 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 2 | Specialisation core | VII |
HRM-4800 | Dissertation | 8 | Specialisation core** | VII |
HRM-4600 | Applied Research Project | 6 | Specialisation core** | VII |
HRM-4213 | Constitutional and Administrative Law | 2 | Specialisation optional | VII |
HRM-4214 | Employee Counseling | 2 | Specialisation optional | VII |
HRM-4215 | Human Resource Analytics | 2 | Specialisation optional | VII |
HRM-4216 | Human Resource Information Systems | 2 | Specialisation optional | VII |
HRM-4801 | Industrial Training | 8 | 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.
- 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.

- 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.
Diploma in Human Resources Management (DHRM)
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Contact Details
Mr. Yohan Perera
The DHRM Coordinator
We-Achieve Programme
The Department of Human Resources Management offered and organized a short course named ‘We-Achieve’ under the patronage of Airtel Lanka Limited, with the intention of uplifting the modern corporate necessities of students to take on the challenges of the corporate world for them to be successful corporate professionals. The short course was opened for all second-and third-year students of the faculty and over 100 students registered. The course commenced on 11 November 2021 and successfully completed in March 2022.
The resource persons of this course were;
- Peter D’Almeida (Head of Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning)
- Nalaka Hewamadduma (Leadership Coach and the Founder of Nalaka H. Consulting),
- Sanjeev Jayarathnam (Transformational Coach & Corporate Trainer)
- Sanath Mahavithana (Head of Ayubo Life)
- Manosh Kulasena (Founder – Mani Talks Mani)
- Kumar De Silva (Personality Development and Corporate Trainer)
The following areas were covered in the course.
- The corporate world and the young graduate
- Leadership in modern workplaces
- Mindfulness (mental wellbeing)
- Financial wellbeing
- Corporate etiquette
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 |
Scholarship Schemes for HRM Undergraduates
As a socially responsible entity, the Department of Human Resources Management, University of Colombo, is always mindful about the personal needs of our students. Hence, with the intention of assisting our students who need extra help, the department initiated 6 scholarships for its undergraduates under two main schemes.
• HRM Alumni Association Scholarship for HRM Undergraduates
Under the full financial sponsorship of HRM Alumni Association, one scholarship for the amount of LKR 5,000 is granted to a needy student on a monthly basis until the particular student sits for the final examination.
• HRM Academic Staff Sponsored Scholarships for HRM Undergraduates
Under the full financial sponsorship of 5 academic staff members of the department, 5 scholarships are offered as follows.
1. Mr. J. M. Wanninayaka Memorial Scholarship – 1 scholarship
2. Mr. D. A. Premasiri Memorial Scholarship – 1 scholarship
3. Hope Scholarship – 1 scholarship
4. Sustainable Future Scholarship – 1 scholarship
5. Mr. T.B Herath Memorial Scholarship – 1 scholarship
Under these scholarships, 6 needy students will be given an amount of LKR 5,000 each month.
The selection of students for the scholarships are executed through a transparent and fair process.
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.
Armonia: HR Revival Day
Maintaining the active involvement of students in virtual learning still remains unresolved. The HRM undergraduates who are now in semester VII (final year) did not get any chance to orient with the department’s staff members after they arriving in the HR family. Due to this reason, the Department of Human Resources Management organized and successfully conducted a virtual fun day on 30 September 2021 from 2.30 p.m onwards taken part by both staff members and undergraduates with the purpose of getting familiarized academic staff members and undergraduate students with each other.
The department usually conducts a mini inaugural ceremony in each year to welcome new comers to the department and this can be introduced as the virtual mode of that ceremony. On the other hand, these new comers to the Department of Human Resources Management had to commence their academic activities in a full-virtual setting due to the COVID 19 pandemic situation. Hence, it was organized a fun day with lot of fun activities by actively participating by both staff members and students.
The event consisted with 5 events namely; Birth Map, Guess “What”, Guess “Who”, Quiz, and Five Sentence Speech. Also, (retired) professor Nimal Navarathne sang a Japanese song by adding more colors to the event. At the end of the event, all staff and student members posed to a virtual photograph on Zoom and attendees witnessed that the event was so fun, interactive, and insightful.
HEART – HR round table
HEART is the series of sessions the department conducts on matters related to research as a means of knowledge and experience sharing. Over the years, numerous sessions were held on different topics related to research. 2022 started with a new series of sessions being organized under HEART to share knowledge about different and popular theories used in management. As identifying a suitable theory is an area that many researchers/research students struggle with in designing their research and analyzing their findings, this new series was accepted with much enthusiasm by academics, researchers and students. The first in the series was conducted by Dr. Seuwandi Ranasinghe on Feminist Theory: Intersectionality and postcolonial developments.
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;
- To set up a social network among our past students of the Department of HRM.
- To incept a discussion among us about recent trends, improvements, updates of the industry by sharing our views and knowledge with each other.
- 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
Back-to-Faculty 2020
The department of HRM also took the initiative in organizing a ‘back-to-faculty’ event for the past students of Faculty of Management and Finance, for the first time in the faculty history, providing them with an opportunity to reminisced on the good times they had at the faculty and to see their batch mates again. This fun-filled and colorful event was held on 31st January 2020 at the faculty premises with the participation of 282 past students.
The Freshers’ Welcome
The chief guest of this event was Ms. Ruchini Weerawardena, Senior HR Business Partner at Sysco Labs Sri Lanka. She delivered an inspired guest speech too. Also, Mr. Ravindu Wibushitha, a former student in the department, delivered a motivational speech. Further, many academic staff members in the Department of Human Resources Management attended this event.
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 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 HR students to improve their organizing skills, event management skills, communication skills, team working skills, and networking skills.
DHRM: The Inauguration which Makes a Difference
The Diploma in Human Resources Management (DHRM), one of the most sought-after HRM educational programs in the nation offered by the Department of Human Resources Management, University of Colombo marked its official embark of batch 8 (2023 intake) on Sunday, 11 December 2022.
300+ chosen applicants from a very reckon screening process were selected for the program and they attended this inauguration ceremony.Dr. Chandana Wijayanama, the Director of HR and Organization at Siam City Cement Lanka Ltd. delivered an insightful keynote speech to those newcomers and Dr. Mayuri Atapattu, Head of the Department of HRM, Senior Student Counselor of the University of Colombo and other distinguished academics attended this event. The HR Family of the University of Colombo wishes its new students a fruitful educational journey ahead!
DHRM Annual Outing – 2022
The annual outing of the Diploma in Human Resources Management (DHRM) was successfully held on Sunday, 13th November 2022, at Anantaya Resort and Spa, Chilaw.
The workshop had two sessions with a musical event. One session was conducted by Ms. Ruwaiha Razik, a senior lecturer in Department of Human Resources Management – University of Colombo and the other session was conducted by the Coordinator of DHRM program. Students testified that they grasped far-seen insights about the career prospects in the area of human resources and also, Ms. Ruwaiha conducted a management game by providing some managerial insights from this workshop.
There was a music session in the evening where a music group performed live music. Students enjoyed the live music a lot. The Department of HRM offers its sincere gratitude to everyone who worked to make this occasion successful and wish all the success for the DHRM students with their ongoing studies!
Way to Go for the Awardees in Diploma in Human Resources Management
The Award Ceremony of Diploma in Human Resources Management (DHRM) of 2020-21 Intake (batch 7) was held on Friday, 23rd September 2022 at the Auditorium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo. 105 students were eligible for the award ceremony at this occasion.
The Award Ceremony was held with the presence of the Vice Chancellor of University of Colombo, Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne, the Registrar, Mr K A S Edward, the Dean of Faculty of Management and Finance, Professor M P P Dharmadasa, Head of the Department of Human Resources Management, Dr. A W M M Atapattu, and other senior and junior academics in the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.
The Department of Human Resources Management offers heartfelt wishes to all diploma awardees and wishes all the success in their future endeavors.
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
Dr. Mayuri Atapattu, Head of the Department | 077 360 7454 | head@hrm.cmb.ac.lk |
Ms. Asheni De Silva, Training Coordinator | 071 631 4249 | asheni@hrm.cmb.ac.lk |
Dr. Dananja Wanninayake, iAchieve Programme Coordinator | 077 69 78 524 | dananja.wanninayake@hrm.cmb.ac.lk |
Mr. Yohan Perera, DHRM Coordinator | 077 127 9068 | dhrm@hrm.cmb.ac.lk |
Dr. Dananja Wanninayake, Academic Coordinator – HRM Alumni Association |
077 69 78 524 | dananja.wanninayake@hrm.cmb.ac.lk |