New strategies needed for HR development

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

As Sri Lanka focuses on strong post-war growth, human resource experts yesterday called for concentrated strategies to deal with talent droughts in the labour market that could become a major impediment to development.

Speaking at the 7th National Conference under the theme ‘Strategies to Build Future Talent’ Sri Lanka Institute of Training and Development (SLTAD) President Eastman Narangoda emphasised the need for the private sector to work implement strategies for human resource development.

Narangoda expressed in his speech that the conference was being conducted at a time when new strategies have to be developed to build future talent. “In the view of the Government’s endeavour to develop the economy of the nation that was stagnated for over 30 years due to the war, it is imperative we work towards formulating strategies in the field of human resource development, training and management competencies,” he said.

Speaking on the relevance of the theme selected for the conference, Narangoda noted that it was a timely topic in the wake of major developments taking place in industries, agriculture, and other sectors. “We can foresee that this unprecedented growth will bring a severe talent drought in the future. Therefore we are compelled to face this challenge,” he asserted, while stressing on the need to acquire, develop, and pass on talents to organisations for them to prosper.

While the SLITAD National Conference 2013 was attended by Human Resource (HR) professionals from diverse sectors, the event featured Life Options Singapore Director Mark T. S. Sng as the keynote speaker.

Sng in his keynote address stated that Sri Lanka is blessed with three elements which are its location, workforce, and high literacy rates. “You have the talent and the potential, but you also need to move forward,” he said.

Acknowledging and commending the infrastructure development of the country, which according to him not only invites foreign businesses into the country but also foreign talents, “Sri Lanka should consider having nucleus multinational corporations, as in Singapore. This makes talent attraction much easier,” Sng advised.

Highlighting contributions to the country and workplace, Sng stressed that every single individual has a role to play regardless of the work he does or what company he works for.  “Every citizen should have the passion to develop the country,” he pointed.

During his presentation he also emphasised that shaping leaders in today’s world in certainly a challenge. “It is important to redefine leadership since the competition in business is continuously evolving, and in order keep up and even identify competition, business leaders should be able to pick up implications,” Sng stated, while concluding his presentation.