The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest HR professional association with close to 340,000 members across more than 180 countries, has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka with dedicated local leadership and an expanded range of services for HR professionals and organisations.
Dedeepya (Dedu) Ajith John, Senior Director – Consulting & BD, SHRM India & APAC, will lead SHRM’s business in Sri Lanka, while respected Sri Lankan HR leader and coach Oshana Dias has been appointed Country Lead, SHRM Sri Lanka. They will be supported by Kaavya Sasidharan, Senior Consultant, SHRM, who will work closely with the team on consulting engagements.
SHRM has maintained a presence in Sri Lanka through its relationship with the Association of Human Resource Professionals (AHRP). The strengthened direct presence marks the next phase of SHRM’s engagement with the market, providing HR professionals and organisations with greater access to its global expertise, professional development resources and organisational consulting capabilities.
SHRM will continue to offer its memberships and globally recognised SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certifications, while expanding access to consulting and capability-building solutions. Its consulting portfolio covers organisational design, talent management, leadership development, workforce planning, HR transformation, research and assessment centres, supporting organisations in addressing broader workforce and organisational priorities.
Sri Lankan HR professionals will also have access to a special SHRM membership rate of USD 49 for a limited period. Membership provides access to SHRM’s global research, toolkits and templates, its Ask an Advisor service, discounted certification and event rates, and connections with SHRM’s international professional community.
Furthermore, local professionals and organisations will also receive direct support for SHRM memberships and certifications, alongside access to programmes covering talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, HR and AI, change management, strategic business partnering, learning and development, HR analytics, and diversity, equity and inclusion. SHRM also plans to introduce master classes tailored to the Sri Lankan market, combining its global research and body of knowledge with practical learning for local practitioners.
The expanded presence will also create greater regional opportunities for Sri Lankan HR and business leaders. The 15th SHRM HR Excellence Awards, held as part of the SHRM India Annual Conference, are now open to Sri Lankan organisations and HR professionals. Sri Lankan delegates will also receive preferential access to SHRM Annual Conferences in India, MENA and the United States, including a special delegate rate of USD 215 for the SHRM India Annual Conference & Expo on 26–27 November 2026 in New Delhi. Organisations will additionally be able to access SHRM’s wider portfolio of research and thought leadership, assessment centres, corporate training and academies, executive development and leadership programmes.
“Sri Lanka has been an important market for SHRM over the years. During this time, we have had the privilege of working alongside AHRP, clients and HR leaders to strengthen the profession and build organisational capability. Oshana’s appointment as Country Lead is a natural next step in deepening that relationship. Through dedicated on-ground leadership, supported by Dedeepya and Kaavya, we aim to combine regional experience, local insight and SHRM’s global capabilities to create greater impact for organisations and HR professionals in Sri Lanka,” said Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM India, APAC & MENA.
“I have seen first-hand the value that SHRM’s global standards, certifications and professional community can bring to HR professionals in Sri Lanka. Establishing a stronger direct presence in the country allows us to deepen access to certification, extend SHRM’s advisory and capability-building expertise to more organisations, and create more opportunities for Sri Lankan HR professionals to participate in SHRM’s regional awards, conferences and professional networks,” said Oshana Dias, Country Lead, SHRM Sri Lanka.
“Having worked closely with organisations and HR leaders, I have seen both the strength of Sri Lanka’s HR profession and the opportunities ahead. Our focus will be on listening closely to the market and bringing together SHRM’s global knowledge and consulting expertise to help organisations and professionals address their most important people and workplace priorities,” said Dedeepya (Dedu) Ajith John, Senior Director – Consulting & BD, SHRM India & APAC.
