Insights and Advice from Lalani Weeraarachchi’s Blueprint of Success

Hailing from the serene Badulla district, Lalani Weeraarachchi’s career is a testament to perseverance, passion, and unyielding dedication. She excelled academically at Uva Paranagama Maha Vidyalaya for her primary education and at Bandarawela Central for her secondary education, where she balanced her studies with sports and extracurricular activities, emerging as a strong and accomplished individual.

Lalani secured her place at the University of Ruhuna, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a second class upper division, specializing in Marketing. She furthered her education by completing an MBA from Asia e University. Her qualifications extend to a Chartered Qualification in Human Resource Management (CIPM), a National Diploma in Training and Human Talent Development (SLITAD), and Certification in Management Accountancy from Australia. She has completed Business Level 2 from ICASL. She holds professional memberships in AHRP, CIPM & SLITAD with her strong desire towards networking.. Additionally, she is a Qualified Trainer and specialist in Event Management.

Lalani Weeraarachchi began her professional journey at Eagle Insurance PLC as a marketing executive, where her passion for human resources was ignited. Initially starting in marketing, her interest in HR led her to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to transition into the field. With over 17 years of experience in Human Resources, Lalani started her HR career in the apparel industry in 2007 serving for Miami Exports and EAM Maliban textiles. She then joined Atlas Axillia Company (Pvt) Ltd in 2009 as an HR executive and eventually became the Head of Human Resources. In this role, she played a pivotal part in shaping the company’s human capital by fostering a growth mindset and promoting learning agility within the team. Lalani’s core competency lies in Human Resources Development, making her well-equipped in the field of Human Resources Management.

Today, as the General Manager of Human Resources for Hayleys  Fentons Limited, Lalani offers her wisdom to budding HR professionals. Lalani’s extensive experience across various sectors makes her advice on HR practices invaluable. 

Here’s how we can leverage her expertise in our business operations:

1. Attracting and Retaining the Right Talent

For Lalani, effective talent acquisition begins well before the hiring process. She emphasizes the importance of targeting the right skills rather than merely filling vacancies.

If it’s a wrong fit, it will not have a positive impact for both the employee and the organization, she explains.

Lalani believes companies need to be proactive from the start. During orientation, HR must ensure new employees have the tools, instructions, and knowledge they need to perform effectively. “Have you provided the required job knowledge? Have you explained the KPIs clearly? Have you equipped them with the right tools? Do you feel comfortable and secure within the company?” These are questions she encourages HR professionals to ask themselves.

Once employees are on board, the focus should shift to continuous development. Six months into the job, performance evaluations should be conducted to gauge progress. “This is where HR steps in as a coach, identifying areas for improvement and providing training and mentoring,” she notes. It’s not just about managing performance; it’s about career counselling and rewarding achievements, creating an environment where employees feel valued and secure.

“People are often told that ‘people are the organization,’ but I believe it’s the right people that make an organization thrive,” she asserts. For her, retention hinges on making employees feel their jobs are valued, their skills are recognized, and their efforts are rewarded. It’s about creating an environment where people are motivated to come to work every morning, inspired to contribute, knowing their needs are met and their voices matter.

2. Transforming HR: From Transactional to Transformational

Lalani believes HR should be more than just a function that processes paperwork or enforces rules; it should be a driving force for organizational change. “HR should not be transactional; it should be transformational,” she states passionately.

One of the main challenges she identifies is the mismatch between current capabilities and future requirements. As businesses grow, this gap becomes more pronounced, and HR needs to be at the forefront of identifying and addressing it. “HR has to be the bridge,” she says, “to proactively identify skill gaps and align them with the organization’s long-term goals.”

Her thought to HR professionals is clear: Don’t wait for a crisis to initiate training or development programs. Start from the top, ensuring leadership is on board, and build a culture where continuous improvement is encouraged. “If you want to teach junior staff, it has to begin with leadership,” she emphasizes. By embedding this mindset, organizations can plan strategically for the future, ensuring that both current and future skill requirements are met, aligning with company’s business goals for short term and long term both.

3. Embracing Technology and Culture: The Dual Pillars of Employee Engagement

The modern workplace is rapidly evolving, and so are the expectations of employees. Lalani highlights the importance of integrating technology and fostering a positive culture to ensure engagement.

“Technology and AI are no longer the future; they are the present,” she says.

The key is how organizations leverage these tools to enhance productivity and streamline operations without losing the human touch.

Culture, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in retaining talent. “Sports, events, fun activities, and an open culture where employees feel free to share ideas – even the crazy ones – can make all the difference,” she explains. For Lalani, it’s about making sure employees feel a sense of belonging, that their contributions are valued, and their welfare is prioritized. “When people feel connected and valued, retention isn’t a challenge. It becomes a natural outcome,” she asserts.

Lalani’s Words of Wisdom: Embrace Your Journey

Drawing from her own life, Lalani offers advice that goes beyond HR strategies, touching on resilience, self-belief, and the pursuit of dreams. She reflects on her decision to remain at the University of Ruhuna, a choice she made despite external pressures. “There were many people who wanted me to transfer to another university in Colombo, but I always believed that what I got was the best. Life has proved me right,” she shares.

Lalani encourages everyone to look beyond the conventional, to understand the true meaning of their dreams. “In our childhood, we all had dreams of a certain profession. What’s important is understanding what lies behind those dreams,” she explains. She had once aspired to be a principal, inspired by her father. “Today, I’m not a principal, but I lead and manage thousands of employees, fulfilling my passion for guiding and mentoring,” she adds.

Her advice is clear: Stand tall, be resilient, and never give up on your dreams. “When the world beats you down, find a reason to get back up. The only way you can fail is if you give up,” she says. With the fast pace of technological advancements, traditional methods won’t cut it anymore. Companies are looking for candidates who are innovative, creative, and can adapt to changing environments. “Be agile, determined, and ready to work with minimal supervision. Whether in the private or public sector, the need for these qualities remains the same,” she insists.

Lalani also emphasizes the importance of continuous self-improvement. “Your education doesn’t stop at a degree; you need professional qualifications that align with industry demands,” she advises. She credits her success to the support of her life partner, who has been a pillar of strength, helping her balance her family, work, and education.

“You need to find a partner who understands your dreams and supports you. Balance in family, education, and work is key to a happy life,” she adds. And above all, she encourages self-belief: “You are not ordinary; you are special. Give your best, go for your dreams. It’s your turn to shine.”