CIPM hosts NHRC 2026 under ‘Human Edge in the Age of AI’ theme

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka will host the National HR Conference (NHRC) 2026 in October 14, at Monarch Imperial, the Official Hospitality Partner for the event, under the theme “The Human Edge in the Age of AI”. Hatton National Bank is the Lead Event Partner.

The conference comes at a time of growing urgency for employers, as artificial intelligence reshapes workplaces at an unprecedented pace, with administrative routines increasingly being shifted to algorithms.

Dr. Neil Bogahalande Ph.D., CIPM President and Chairman of the NHRC 2026 Technical Committee, said the theme was chosen to highlight the importance of human judgement in an increasingly AI-driven workplace.

“We chose this theme because the real contest ahead is not between people and machines. It is between organisations handing over their judgement to technology and those strengthening it,” he said.

“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,” he added.

It was also disclosed that all 33 exhibition stalls for the event have been sold out.

U.A.C. Obeyesekere, CEO of CIPM, said the conference is also expected to attract participants from across the region.

NHRC 2026 will feature a practical playbook by Prof. Harin Sellahewa, alongside sessions by Shehara de Silva, Kul Mahay, Ranjan De Silva and Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri. Insights from Mercer will bring a data-driven perspective to the discussions, while the HR Heads Forum and Business Leaders Forum will address Sri Lanka’s market realities, talent flows and costs.

Beyond the main sessions, the conference will also celebrate excellence in the HR profession.

A major highlight will be The Great HR Debate 2026, chaired by Shanaka Fernando. The debate commenced on August 11, with 14 corporate teams competing. The competition is being held in collaboration with Toastmasters International District 82.

The British Council Sri Lanka, the Official Training and Assessment Partner, will support the event with a focus on communication standards. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore industry innovations at The National HR Exhibition 2026, led by Davina Kern.

The Strategic Partners for the event are Layup, Strategic e-Learning Partner; BIPO, Strategic Technology Partner; 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.

The Co-Sponsors are Omega Line, Seylan Bank and David Peiris Motors.

Registrations for NHRC 2026 will open shortly.