Anuradha Wickramasinghe has bagged Women Outstanding HR Award

Anuradha Wickramasinghe has bagged Women Outstanding HR Award

• December 08, 2022

I, Anuradha Wickramasinghe, am an accomplished professional with over 20 years experience in human resources. From the start of my career as a management trainee in HR to my current position as department head managing different countries, I have gained comprehensive knowledge about human resource management. My experiences being employed by local as well as multinational organizations have allowed me to obtain an extensive level of understanding of best HR practices, beginning with HRM, HRD, and now HRE. 

My experience over the past two decades is mainly backed by a BCom from the University of Ruhuna, a Bsc (HRM) major in HRM from Leeds University, and an MBA from Asiae University. and presently reading DBA, Lincoln University

My passion for the HR profession has made me fortunate to have a progressive career in diversified industries. Looking back on my career, I see that I was continually energized by additional responsibilities and learning new skills. Being a self-motivator helped me look beyond the bare minimum of what is required and find more efficient ways of getting things done. Accordingly, right from the beginning of my career, I was clear about my goals. 

Areas of my expertise would include (but are not limited to);

• Employee Retention and Engagement
• Recruitment and Selection
• Employee relations, counseling, and grievance handling 
• Labour Laws
• Performance Management
• Training, development
• Culture Improvement
• Talent management 

Highlights of the competencies that made me successful in the HR profession include: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of operational and strategic human resource management
• Track record of successfully delivering hr and culture change.
• Strong interpersonal skills are needed to bridge the connection between employees and employers.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Focused on an ethical approach for human resources

Having been employed in the apparel industry for many years, at present I am employed by International Distillers LTD to head their HR operation. 

IDL is one of Sri Lanka's leading corporations and a manufacturer and importer of quality spirits.

IDL is the number one producer of locally manufactured foreign liquor (LMFL) and premium arrack in Sri Lanka at present. It is also the second-largest player in the overall alcohol market in Sri Lanka.

The balance of our values between what we do and how we work together to achieve our goals is the secret essence of our success. We execute while collaborating, remaining positive, optimistic, and empathetic, and working together across teams to deliver the best product to our customers.

I am deeply honored to receive this award and to be recognized by "Women Icon powered by Times Women." The letter I received from "Women Icon powered by Times Women" confirming that I am recognized as "Outstanding HR" under the woman leadership category simply overwhelmed me. 

I was always passionate about motivating and inspiring others and contributing more than the best of my ability to my profession, and this award suggests that perhaps I have succeeded in some measure. I sincerely hope that is the case. It is difficult for me to express in words how much this recognition means to me. Thank you. 

I would like to mention a few words to the new entrants of the HR Ground. 

You might feel working in HR can be hard sometimes, or that your efforts quite often go unnoticed, while you could be juggling a whole range of spinning plates day in and day out, constantly trying to make sure one doesn’t drop.

But if you love your profession, nothing can stop the flame burning within you. It can be rewarding, too. You will have the platform to do your best to support your company’s biggest asset—its people.

"HR professionals are innovators who seek new ways to solve old problems, enablers who make others better, and value creators who help all stakeholders win."