CIPM Sri Lanka – the Nation’s leader in human resource management entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Faculty of Management Studies of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) on June 17 for institutional collaboration leading to implementation of higher academic programmes of study in Human Resource Management (HRM) and other specific subject areas. The collaboration will cater to HR development needs of potential clientele in industry belonging to different sectors of the economy. The MOU was signed at the CIPM head office “HR House” in Colombo 5 by Dhammika Fernando-President, CIPM and Prof. S.A. Ariadurai-Vice Chancellor of OUSL in the presence of Dr. Neil Bogahalanda-Council Member, CIPM and Chairman-Academic & Professional Affairs Committee, CIPM, U. A. C. Obeyesekere–Chief Executive Officer/Director Business School-CIPM, G. Weerathunga-Director, Professional & Academic Affairs-CIPM Business School, Jayantha Abeyratne-Council Member-CIPM, Ms. Vindya Jayasena-Registrar OUSL, Prof. V. Sivalogathasan- Dean, Faculty of Management Studies OUSL, Prof. Nalin Abeysekara and Senior Lecturers of OUSL Dr. L.P.S. Gamini, K.P. Nishantha, Asanka Senevirathna, CIPM management and staff from both CIPM and OUSL.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. Neil Bogahalanda said that OUSL is one of the very first state academic institutions to accept CIPM qualifications since almost 10 years ago which has benefitted the Nation and that the MOU signed today will formalize a deeper understanding between the two institutions that will no doubt add value to the students of this Country.
“This is a historic landmark where the understanding and commitment of the OUSL and CIPM in the area of institutional collaboration in the field of people management is being elevated to the next level and it will open up another straight path for our PQHRM Graduates to follow Masters degrees” said Dhammika Fernando-President, CIPM Sri Lanka.
“The people management profession is yet to be duly recognized for its immense contribution to the world of business. However, the world HR bodies including us at CIPM are doing a great job and effort in establishing and crystalizing the recognition that our profession deserves. Unlike in previous calamities and situations, it is heartening to note that during this Covid-19 pandemic, businesses embraced a people first agenda with people management coming to the forefront and center stage of decision making” he added.
“The primary and secondary education sectors in Sri Lanka are quite comparable with any developed country. However, at the tertiary level we are far behind with only a 20% graduate enrolment ratio in the 18 – 24 years age category with 80% not acquiring higher education qualifications including vocational qualifications. As you can see, there is a lot to be done for the tertiary education sector in Sri Lanka, and if we are to develop as a Nation the only solution is to strengthen our position” said Prof. S.A. Ariadurai-Vice Chancellor, OUSL.
“It is difficult to hire intellectuals of caliber for us to expand our programmes and hence the way forward is with partnerships and sharing of resources” he added thanking CIPM for the collaboration between the two institutions.
CIPM was founded in 1959 – incorporated by Parliamentary Act No. 24 of 1976, amended by Act No. 31 of 2018. CIPM is affiliated to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Human Resource Management and to the World Federation of People Management Associations. CIPM, being a professional institute is also a constituent member of the Organization of Professional Associations [OPA] Sri Lanka. Currently, CIPM comprises of over 1600 Professional Members who serve in both public and private organizations. It was elevated to Chartered Status by the Parliament of Sri Lanka on the 28th of September 2018 by amending the original Act of establishment.
