The Group’s Watawala Plantations, won the award for institutional building by the Congress considering its long-standing commitment towards capacity building, which incorporates institutional building and individual development of employees. With the award, the APHC acknowledged the success achieved by Watawala Plantations on the capacity building front, particularly as an organization operating in the plantation sector.
The Asia Pacific HRM Congress, which has the representation of HR leaders of renowned Indian and international organizations, is considered one of the most prestigious HR summits in the world. In addition to the award for Institutional Building, the HRM Congress presents awards for categories, “Organization with Innovation HR Practices”, “Outstanding Contribution to the Cause of Education” and “HR Outsourcing”. Awards such as “Exemplary Leader”, “CEO of the Year” and “HR Professional of the Year” come under the Individual category.
This year’s summit was conducted under the theme “HR – Building Future Leaders”. The event also covered some important subthemes such as compensation and benefit trends, HR leadership, translating HR strategy into action and building future leaders in the organization
In addition to evaluating excellence of organizations and individuals, the Congress provides a platform to review evolving trends in the field of Human Resource Management. It also provides the opportunity to acquire skills to maximize competency and become a more knowledgeable contributor in the HRM field. At the same time, the summit gives an insight into understanding important workplace issues that can affect the viability of an organization in the fast-moving business environment.
The Chief Executive Officer of Watawala Plantations Dr. Dan Seevaratnam was also awarded at the Asia Pacific HRM Congress, under the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ category for his contribution towards human resource development in his illustrious career in the plantation sector. Having received his education at Trinity College, Kandy, Dr. Seevaratnam joined the plantation industry as a Trainee Assistant Manager. In his 40-year career in the industry, Dan Seevaratnam climbed the organizational rungs swiftly and ended up as a Chief Executive Officer of Watawala Plantations - the highest position a planter could aspire to reach.
He has been widely acclaimed as the Chief Architect in the ‘turn around’ of three Plantation Management Organizations - Maskeliya Plantations PLC, Namunukula Plantations PLC managed by John Keells Holdings and Kahawatte Plantations PLC managed by Forbes Plantations PLC. He became the Chief Executive Officer of Watawala Plantations in 2008.
http://www.lbt.lk/news/business/2668-adjudged-for-innovation