Sri Lankan HR Leaders gain fresh insights on future of work at SHRM Tech26 in Mumbai

A delegation of eight HR professionals from Sri Lanka participated in SHRM Tech26, held recently at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, gaining exposure to regional conversations on artificial intelligence, workforce capability, leadership, and the future of work.

Hosted under the theme “Connected Intelligence: From Connection to Cognition,” SHRM Tech26 brought together more than 2,500 HR and business leaders, over 500 CXOs, and 150 speakers for two days of discussion on how organisations can better align technology, people, and business strategy.

A key message from the conference was that technology must strengthen human capability rather than replace it. Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM APAC & MENA, noted that the organisations best positioned for the future will be those that use technology not only to automate tasks, but also to improve decision-making, build stronger cultures, and unlock the potential of their people.

This message was reflected throughout the conference, including through the presence of SHRM’s AI robot, Arjun X, which opened and closed the two-day event. The symbolic use of AI reinforced the conference’s central focus on the relationship between people and intelligent systems.

The sessions also explored the growing importance of human skills in an increasingly digital workplace. Bollywood actor Boman Irani, in conversation with Raj Nayak, closed the conference with reflections on storytelling, humour, resilience, and human connection, qualities that remain essential in leadership and workplace culture.

An executive networking masterclass conducted by Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent Private Equity, also encouraged participants to approach professional relationships with authenticity and long-term value. He noted that while digital platforms have expanded access to professional networks, meaningful connection still depends on trust, responsiveness, and genuine engagement.

The conference also placed strong emphasis on skills development and workforce readiness. The SHRM India Skill Intelligence Report 2026, launched at the event, found that 45% of organisations identify AI and digital skills as their biggest workforce constraint. The report also highlighted that India formally trains only 2.3% of its workforce, pointing to a significant gap between organisational intent and actual readiness.

This theme was further explored during a masterclass on capability development led by James Atkinson and Nishith Upadhyaya, which focused on the need for organisations to move faster from awareness to implementation. Speakers stressed that digital transformation can only deliver meaningful outcomes when employees are equipped with the right skills, leadership support, and organisational clarity.

Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO of Mahindra & Mahindra, also highlighted the importance of aligning technology, talent, and strategy, noting that digitisation is most effective when it is guided by clear purpose and supported by people across the organisation.

Reflecting on the Sri Lankan delegation’s participation, Chanukah Gunawardena, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding, IFS, said, “SHRM Tech26 made one thing clear. The future of work is not a distant concept, it is being shaped right now. The conversations around AI, workforce effectiveness, and human connection were both relevant and actionable. We return to Sri Lanka with practical insights that can support real-world application within organisations.”

Following SHRM Tech26, Sri Lankan HR and business leaders will have further opportunities to engage with SHRM’s regional platforms. Upcoming events include the SHRM India UNConference 2026, scheduled for 15 and 16 July 2026 in Hyderabad, and the SHRM India Annual Conference & Expo 2026, scheduled for 26 and 27 November 2026 in New Delhi.

In Colombo, AHRP, in association with SHRM, will also host a Bite Size Learning session titled “Future-Ready HR: Skills for 2026 & Beyond” on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, from 4.00 PM to 6.00 PM. The session will feature Shaakun Khanna, Senior Advisor and Head, Leadership & HR Transformation, SHRM India, and will focus on the skills shaping the future of HR.

For information on SHRM conferences, membership, and certification programmes, including SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, please contact Oshana Dias at [email protected] or visit www.shrmconference.org.

For registration and details on the Colombo Bite Size Learning session, please contact [email protected].

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SHRM is the world’s largest HR professional society, with nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries. Through its work, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.