The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka host the National HR Conference (NHRC) 2026 this October at Monarch Imperial, Official Hospitality Partner for the event, themed “The Human Edge in the Age of AI.” The conference is presented with Hatton National Bank PLC as Lead Event Partner.
The conference arrives at a moment of urgency for employers. Artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces faster than any technology before it, with administrative routines shifting to algorithms. The World Economic Forum projects AI will create 170 million new roles this decade while displacing over 90 million. The arithmetic appears reassuring until one considers displaced workers rarely fill them.
Bridging that gap is not a technical problem. It is a human responsibility, sitting at the core of NHRC 2026.
Human intelligence leads, artificial intelligence executes
The conference theme rests on a confident proposition: human intelligence leads, while artificial intelligence executes. AI is a formidable engine, relentless and fast. The human mind and heart must steer it and take responsibility for outcomes.
Empathy, sound judgment, ethical courage and the capacity to navigate messy human realities are master capabilities determining what technology is permitted to touch. Organizations that thrive will not be those adopting tools fastest, but those whose people command tools with profound wisdom.
That distinction leads to a question no algorithm can answer: who answers for the decision? Machines can screen and recommend at extraordinary speed. Yet the moral weight of any choice affecting a human life remains squarely on human shoulders. Regulators worldwide enshrine this principle, classifying workforce related AI as high risk and mandating human oversight. HR professionals remain the final authority.
An elevation, not a threat
For the HR profession, this moment is an elevation rather than a threat. Unburdened from heavy administration, HR becomes the catalyst for authentic leadership, cultural transformation, reskilling and genuine employee wellbeing. With workforce readiness emerging as the real bottleneck to AI success, few functions carry higher calling.
Global evidence supports what practitioners already sense. WEF research shows nearly forty percent of employers cite skills gaps, not technology limitations, as their greatest barrier to transformation. Leadership studies indicate three quarters of chief executives now own their AI strategy, with empathy rated as vital.
A gathering of minds and hearts
Commenting on the theme, Dr. Neil Bogahalande Ph.D., CIPM President and Chairman of the NHRC 2026 Technical Committee, said: “We chose this theme because the real contest ahead is not between people and machines. It is between organizations handing over their judgment to technology and those strengthening it. Our technical agenda gives HR leaders practical tools, from governance frameworks to reskilling. If delegates leave with the confidence to say no to a machine when it matters, we have done our job.”
NHRC 2026 translates this philosophy into practice. The program features a practical playbook from Prof. Harin Sellahewa, alongside sessions by Shehara de Silva, Kul Mahay, Ranjan De Silva and Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri. Insights from Mercer ground the discussion in data, while the HR Heads Forum and Business Leaders Forum address Sri Lanka’s market realities, talent flows and costs.
Celebrating HR Excellence: The Great HR Debate and Exhibition
Beyond the main sessions, the event encompasses a celebration of HR excellence. A major highlight is The Great HR Debate 2026, guided by Chairman Mr. Shanaka Fernando. The debate commenced on August 11th with fourteen corporate teams competing. This competition is held in collaboration with Toastmasters International District 82.
The British Council Sri Lanka acts as the Official Training and Assessment Partner to ensure the highest communication standards. Attendees can explore industry innovations at The National HR Exhibition 2026, led by Ms. Davina Kern.
Appreciation for Our Partners
Such an event of this magnitude is made possible through strong industry collaborations. Mr. U.A.C. Obeyesekere, CEO of CIPM, expressed his gratitude to the organizations supporting this landmark gathering.
CIPM extends its appreciation to Hatton National Bank PLC, Lead Event Partner of NHRC 2026.
The Institute also thanks its Strategic Partners: Layup, Strategic e-Learning Partner; BIPO, Strategic Technology Partner; and Wijeya Newspapers, Strategic Print Media Partner.
CIPM further acknowledges the Official Partners of NHRC 2026: British Council, Official Training and Assessment Partner; Jobdaddy.lk, Official Hiring Partner; Thyaga.lk, Official Gift and Rewards Partner; Asiri Hospital Holdings, Official Healthcare Partner; Brandix, Official Global Apparel Solutions Partner; PickMe, Official Mobility Partner; and Monarch Imperial, Official Hospitality Partner.
Appreciation is also extended to Co-Sponsors Omega Line, Seylan Bank and David Peiris Motors.
Registrations for NHRC 2026 will open shortly. Delegates, sponsors and partner organizations may contact CIPM Sri Lanka for more registration details.