Shiwanthie Wijesuriya is an accomplished human resources leader who is currently serving as the Head of Human Resources at Abans Environmental Services Pvt Ltd, while also holding the position of Hony Editor at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in Sri Lanka. With over 20 years of industry experience, Shiwanthie has demonstrated a commitment to advancing organisational success through strategic HR initiatives. Her career encompasses significant roles, such as Associate Director at Serendib Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd, Senior Manager – People & Culture at Al Ghurair Investment, and Senior Human Resources Manager – Royal Ceramic Lanka PLC, showcasing her expertise in talent management and employee engagement as well as creating performance cultures.
An award-winning HR professional, Shiwanthie received the prestigious HR Professional of the Year award in 2016 from CIPM, recognising her dedication and impact. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI – UK) and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel Management. Alongside her professional responsibilities, Shiwanthie contributes as a Visiting Lecturer at CIPM and has played a vital role on its Executive Council. Her academic background includes an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University, further complemented by certifications from City & Guilds UK. Her dedication to HR extends beyond the workplace, as she actively supports professional and community initiatives through organisations like The Management Club of Colombo.
Q. Can you share a memorable experience from your childhood that you believe influenced your journey to success?
A memorable childhood experience that shaped my journey was helping out at my parents’ store during a period of national hardship. During the riots, with blackouts and food shortages, my parents remained resilient and resourceful. They found ways to provide food, ensured the safety of our family, and maintained a sense of normality. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and community support—qualities that now shape my approach to leadership.
Q. What inspired you to pursue your current career path, and how has your journey unfolded?
My passion for helping individuals reach their potential led me to a career in HR. Early on, I identified a gap in talent management at a tech company and led an initiative to create a comprehensive programme, which proved highly successful and cemented my commitment to the field. Over the years, I’ve held various HR roles, always learning and growing, and guided by a commitment to building inclusive and high-performing workplaces.
Q. Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge in your career, and how you overcame it?
A key challenge arose at a company during a major restructuring, where some employees exhibited unethical behaviour, bullying newcomers and making baseless accusations against managers. I addressed this by implementing a transparent review process, conducting thorough investigations, supporting the affected employees, and holding perpetrators accountable. I reinforced our values through training and communication, strengthening the company culture. This experience underscored the importance of integrity, swift action, and fostering a respectful workplace.
Q. How do you maintain motivation and drive, especially when faced with obstacles?
My motivation stems from a deep sense of purpose in HR. I stay positive and solution-oriented, breaking challenges into manageable parts. Continuous learning and a strong support network of mentors, colleagues, and my team are invaluable. Celebrating small victories also helps keep the momentum going, ensuring I remain focused despite setbacks.
Q. What does achieving the Leadership Excellence Platinum Award mean to you?
Receiving the Leadership Excellence Platinum Award is a profound honour, validating my dedication to HR. This recognition reflects the collective achievements of my teams and motivates me to continue innovating in HR, fostering environments where individuals and organisations can thrive.
Q. What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to succeed in their fields?
My advice to young professionals is to pursue your passion, embrace continuous learning, and build strong relationships. Be resilient and adaptable, approach challenges as opportunities, and maintain integrity and authenticity. Seek feedback, reflect on experiences, and volunteer for challenging projects. Above all, never lose sight of yourself. At the end of the day, it is you—so love yourself.
