Portfolio of Tharanga Sandeepani Samarakkody – Best HR Award

A Journey of Excellence in Human Resource Management

Receiving the prestigious Best HR Award at the Queen Book Awards has been a deeply humbling and defining milestone in my 29-year journey as a human resource professional. This international recognition reflects not only my personal dedication but also the collective contributions of the teams I have worked with, the invaluable mentorship I have received from great personalities, and the privilege of inspiring and empowering individuals throughout my career.
Over nearly three decades, I have collaborated with approximately 500 organizations and, as a Trainer, lecturer of HRM, and HR practitioner, have had the honour of positively impacting and inspiring approximately 100,000 individuals locally. This recognition serves as a testament to my unwavering commitment to advancing the field of human resource management and reinforcing my belief that every organization’s success ultimately lies in its people.

Career Journey: From Foundations to Leadership

My professional journey began with foundational roles in administration and HR, providing me with a profound understanding of organizational dynamics. I started my career at CTC Eagle Insurance, subsequently transitioned to CBL Limited, Brandix, and later served as Head of HR for the Canadian Red Cross. These experiences exposed me to diverse organizational cultures and complex HR challenges, shaping my ability to implement globally relevant HR practices.

Building on these experiences, I transitioned into HR consultancy, taking on roles such as Associate HR Consultant at HR Cornucorpia and later as Director HR at Emsolve Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. These opportunities enriched my expertise and provided the foundation to establish Esolve Business Solutions in 2015.

Today, Esolve proudly celebrates a decade of empowering businesses with people-centric strategies and innovative solutions, remaining steadfast in its mission to transform organizations by fostering a culture of excellence.

Esolve Business Solutions: Empowering Businesses Through People

Founded with the vision of bridging organizational needs and effective HR solutions, Esolve Business Solutions exemplifies diversity, empowerment, and innovation. As a predominantly female-led organization, we are committed to advancing inclusive practices that inspire change.

Core Services:

• In-House and Public Employee Training Programs: Customized workshops addressing leadership, operational efficiency, and workforce development.
• HR Outsourcing Assignments: Comprehensive HR management services that streamline operations and align with strategic goals.
• HR Projects: Implementation of impactful initiatives, including performance management systems and workforce planning strategies.
• Streamlining HR Processes: Enhancing HR operations to drive organizational effectiveness.

Commitment to Professional Development and Mentorship

In addition to leading Esolve, I actively contribute to shaping the next generation of HR professionals. My roles include:

• Faculty Member - Chartered Institute of Personnel Management
• Mentor – Chartered Institute of Personnel Management
• Visiting Lecturer- Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel
• Lead HR Consultant at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management 

These roles have allowed me to mentor aspiring HR practitioners and share my expertise, fostering leadership and innovation in an ever-evolving HR landscape.

Credentials and Professional Affiliations

My academic and professional credentials are a testament to my dedication to continuous learning and excellence:

• Master of Business Administration: Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.
• Chartered Qualification in HRM: Best Performer Award, 2023 (CIPM).
• National Diploma in HRM: Jayantha Jayaratne Gold Medal for Outstanding Student (2006/2007) (IPM).
• Certified HR Auditor: TVRLS, India.
• Learning & Development Professional: LinkedIn Learning.

I am also a member of esteemed professional bodies, including CIPM, CIPD (UK), and SLITAD, which keep me connected to the latest global HR practices.

The Queen Book Awards: A Moment of Pride and Gratitude

Winning the Best HR Award at the Queen Book Awards is a profound acknowledgment of my contributions to the HR field. It is a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and the transformative power of human resource management.

This achievement is a testament to the trust of the organizations I have worked with, the guidance of my mentors, and the dedication of my team at Esolve. It reflects the relentless pursuit of excellence and our mission to empower organizations through innovative HR practices.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of HR

As I reflect on this achievement, my focus shifts toward the future. The HR landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and shifting workforce dynamics. At Esolve, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these changes, delivering solutions that are innovative, impactful, and relevant to the challenges of tomorrow.

The Best HR Professional Award is not just a personal milestone but a stepping stone toward greater aspirations. It inspires me to deepen my contributions to the HR field, mentor emerging leaders, and create a meaningful and lasting change in the lives of people and organizations.

Empowering people is at the heart of every success story. Together, let us unlock extraordinary potential and build a future where businesses thrive through their most valuable asset – their people