Economy & Growth Companies

HR leaders of Sunshine Holdings recognized at World HRD Congress 2024 in India

Diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC announced that two of its HR (Human Resources) leaders have won two prestigious awards at the recently-concluded World HRD Congress 2024. Michelle Senanayake, Group Chief People and Corporate Communications Officer was conferred with the esteemed ‘Most Iconic HR Leaders - Global Listing’ award, while Tharanga de Silva, Head of Rewards and Integrations, was honoured as one of the ‘Top Most Influential C&B (Compensation and Benefits) Leaders (Global)’.

Michelle Senanayake’s recognition as the “Most Iconic HR Leaders - Global Listing” underscores her significant contributions to the HR profession. As a respected leader Michelle’s commitment to people development and her role as a thought leader in the industry has been acknowledged globally.

In parallel, Tharanga de Silva’s achievement was celebrated among 300 nominations of C&B/Total Rewards professional leaders from diverse international sectors. His recognition is a testament to his exceptional talent and influence within the field, reflecting his dedication to shaping the future of Compensation and Benefits globally.

The 32nd Edition of the World HRD Congress and Awards 2024 was presented on 15th February during an award ceremony at the Taj Lands Ends, Mumbai. In addition to her award, Michelle Senanayake was a member of a panel discussion organized under the theme of ‘Global HR 2.0: A back-to-the-future dialogue on shaping tomorrow’s workforce dynamics’. Sunshine Holdings was recognized last year as a great workplace for the third consecutive time by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work® in Sri Lanka.

Sunshine Holdings Group CEO Shyam Sathasivam commented on these achievements, saying, “I extend my warmest congratulations to Michelle and Tharanga for their well-deserved recognition at the World HRD Congress. Their accomplishments underscore the caliber of talent and dedication that defines our team at Sunshine Holdings. Further, these recognitions are a testament to their outstanding contributions to our organization. At Sunshine Holdings, we view our people as our most valuable asset and Michelle and Tharanga embody this belief. Their dedication to driving excellence in HR aligns perfectly with Sunshine’s strategic vision for sustained success and growth. It fosters a dynamic and people-centric workplace.”

Sunshine Holdings' success is anchored in its people strategy, a commitment to fostering a thriving and engaged workforce. Prioritizing a holistic approach to talent management, the company places great value on continuous learning and development initiatives, empowering employees to navigate the dynamic business landscape. Further, embracing a culture of innovation and collaboration ensures the workforce remains adaptable and well-equipped. Central to Sunshine’s strategy is a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing the strength derived from a diverse workforce. The company actively implements policies fostering an inclusive workplace, where every individual's unique perspectives and contributions are valued, ensuring a culture of equality, respect, and value for each employee.

Launched in 1992, the annual World HRD Congress reviews evolving trends in human resource management. It provides practitioners opportunities to acquire skills and maximise competencies crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment. World HRD Congress brings together over 1,800 human resource professionals from more than 133 countries.

About Sunshine Holdings

Sunshine Holdings PLC is a publicly listed conglomerate contributing to ‘nation-building’ by creating value in vital sectors of the Sri Lankan economy – mainly in the healthcare and consumer sectors, with strategic investments in agribusiness.

Established over 57 years ago in 1967, the Group is now home to leading Sri Lankan brands such as Zesta Tea, Watawala Tea, Ran Kahata, Daintee, Milady, Healthguard Pharmacy and Lina Manufacturing, with nearly 2,000 employees and revenue over LKR 51 billion. The business units comprise Sunshine Healthcare Lanka, Sunshine Consumer Lanka, and Watawala Plantations PLC, which are leaders in their respective sectors and most of them were certified as a “Great Place to Work” in 2023.

We believe that the purpose of our existence is to “Bring good things to life, “meaning we will make quality medicines and consumer products available to all Sri Lankans at affordable prices, ensuring a better quality of life for all. Our growth has been defined by our commitment to conducting our business ethically and staying true to our values.

Michelle Senanayake, Group Chief People and Corporate Communications Officer and Tharanga de Silva, Head of Rewards and Integrations, receiving their awards