CIPM Sri Lanka – the nation’s leader for human resource management – proudly announces the thrilling conclusion of the Great HR Debate 2025, as two corporate titans prepare to face off in the much-anticipated Grand Finals on June 2nd, 2025 at Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The final round will coincide with the opening day of the National HR Conference, Sri Lanka’s premier HR event.
After weeks of rigorous rounds, passionate arguments, and powerful rhetoric, DIMO PLC (Proposing) and Hemas Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd. (Opposing) have emerged as the ultimate finalists from a formidable field of 20 top-tier teams. Their final battle will tackle the provocative motion:
“Organizations should focus more on Financial Performance than Employee Development to support Nation Building efforts in Sri Lanka.”
This topic – timely and thought-provoking – promises a captivating exchange of ideas on the role of corporate priorities in national progress. The debate is expected to spark spirited dialogue around the balance between bottom-line imperatives and human capital investment, making it a must-watch session for all HR and business leaders attending the conference.
Since its commencement in April 2025, the Great HR Debate has been a showcase of intellectual energy, featuring intense competition through three qualifying rounds and fiercely contested Quarter & Semi Finals. The 2025 edition has been historic, not only for its record-breaking 20-team participation, but also for the unparalleled quality of debate that has unfolded.
In a pioneering initiative, CIPM partnered with Toastmasters International (District 82) to provide all teams with targeted coaching in public speaking, persuasive communication, and leadership, further enriching the developmental impact of the competition.
Reflecting on the journey, CIPM Sri Lanka President Priyantha Ranasinghe noted:
“The Great HR Debate continues to shape the HR landscape by fostering a culture of critical thinking and strategic dialogue. As we approach the finals, we celebrate not just the competing teams, but the evolution of thought leadership within our profession.”
Kanishka Ranaweera, Chairman of the Great HR Debate 2025 Committee, added:
“Every team brought something unique to the table – courage, clarity, and collaboration. As we gear up for the finals, it’s clear that this debate has helped transform participants into confident, future-ready professionals.”
The legacy of the Great HR Debate, first envisioned in 2009 by its founder C. Hewapattini, has never shone brighter. What began as a platform to sharpen HR thinking has grown into a prestigious national competition that now crowns the finest minds in the corporate world.
C. Hewapattini, founder of the Great HR Debate, added a heartfelt reflection:
“This platform was born out of a dream to inspire meaningful dialogue in the HR space. Seeing its growth into a nationally recognized stage for critical thinking and strategic conversation has been truly humbling. The passion and purpose we witness today are a powerful reminder of how far HR in Sri Lanka has come—and where it can go.”
Mark your calendars, HR professionals – this is more than a debate. It’s a celebration of leadership, learning, and the future of work in Sri Lanka. The Grand Finale on June 2nd is set to be the crown jewel of the National HR Conference 2025, offering a powerful blend of insight, argument, and inspiration.