Thrimuthi Dhanushka, courageously navigating HR leadership and motherhood

Balancing the demands of a thriving career with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood is no small feat. For Thrimuthi Dhanushka, the Head of Human Resources at Ideal Group, this journey has been one of courage, resilience, and determination. Her story is not just about professional success; it’s about challenging societal norms, redefining personal and professional boundaries, and proving that women can excel in both career and family life without compromising on either.

From Science to HR: A Path Defined by Passion and Persistence

Thrimuthi’s journey into Human Resources is as inspiring as it is unconventional. With a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, she could have easily pursued a career in science. However, her passion for understanding people and her innate ability to connect with them drew her towards HR—a field where she felt she could make a more meaningful impact.

She didn’t stop at her undergraduate degree. Thrimuthi went on to earn a Master in Business Studies from the University of Kelaniya, sharpening her skills in business administration and management. She also became an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Training & Development (SLITAD), where she earned qualifications with merit. Thrimuthi even served as a lecturer at SLITAD, continuing to teach during her maternity period, showing her deep commitment to HR.

Thrimuthi’s career began at GSK as an HR Assistant, where she quickly made a mark with her ability to manage HR & Administration related areas. Her dedication and hard work saw her rise through the ranks, eventually taking on the role of Group Senior Manager HR & Administration at Ideal Group. But it was during one of the most challenging periods of her life—becoming a mother—that her true strength and leadership shone through.

Motherhood: A Journey of Love, Sacrifice, and Determination

Motherhood is often seen as a time of joy and bonding, but for Thrimuthi, it was also a period of intense pressure and responsibility. Just one month after giving birth, she was faced with an unexpected professional challenge—her immediate HR supervisor left the company, and she was asked to step into a much higher role during her maternity leave. The timing couldn’t have been more difficult.

Becoming a mother changes you in ways you can’t anticipate. It’s a beautiful experience, but it’s also overwhelming, especially when you have to juggle it with a demanding career,

Thrimuthi recalls. “I had a tiny, fragile human who depended on me for everything, and at the same time, I was being asked to take on more responsibility at work. It was a lot to handle.”

The cultural norms and gender stereotypes she encountered only added to the challenge. There were times when her commitment to her career was questioned simply because she had become a mother. But instead of letting these doubts deter her, Thrimuthi used them as fuel to prove that motherhood doesn’t diminish a woman’s capability—in fact, it can enhance it.

I realized that if I was courageous enough to bring a child into this world, I was courageous enough to handle whatever challenges came my way at work, she says.

Thrimuthi’s approach was strategic—she meticulously planned her days, balancing the demands of her baby with the pressures of her new role. “I didn’t have a strong support system at home, so I had to rely on my own organizational skills. I arranged my personal and professional work down to the last detail.”

Her team at Ideal Group became her lifeline. “My team was my delivery mechanism—they were the ones who helped me meet the high expectations placed on us. We worked together, and they delivered on the tasks that I couldn’t fully focus on during those early months of motherhood. Their support was invaluable.”

Despite the immense pressure, Thrimuthi excelled. Just three months after returning from maternity leave, she was promoted—a testament to her resilience and leadership.

Marriage and childbirth are not barriers, she insists.

They are areas to explore and grow. I took them as challenges and did well.”

Transforming HR with Vision and Innovation

As she settled into her new role, Thrimuthi didn’t just maintain the status quo; she set about transforming the HR landscape at Ideal Group. Understanding the importance of innovation, she introduced an automated Performance Management System (PMS), which streamlined the way employee performance was tracked and managed. She also developed new concepts for training and development, ensuring that the company’s workforce remained skilled and motivated.

Thrimuthi was also proactive in addressing legal issues within the company. She played a crucial role in setting up control mechanisms that helped manage legal matters, employee grievances, and concerns related to regulatory compliance. Her ability to juggle these complex responsibilities while maintaining a focus on the human aspect of HR is what sets her apart as a leader.

“I wanted to ensure that even as we introduced new systems and policies, the human element was never lost. HR is about people, and even in the most challenging times, we must remember that,” she explains.

A Message of Empowerment to Aspiring Women Professionals

Thrimuthi’s story is one of empowerment and resilience, and she has a clear message for young women who are navigating the complexities of career and family life: “Go out and maintain relationships with people. Build your network, because it will support you in ways you might not even realize.”

She emphasizes the importance of education, urging women to link their academic achievements to financial benefits.

Education is crucial. It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about how you use that education to create opportunities for yourself and your family.

But perhaps most importantly, Thrimuthi wants women to see marriage and motherhood not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. “These are not barriers; they are experiences that can enrich your life and your career. Embrace them, plan carefully, and you can excel in both areas.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that with courage, determination, and a well-thought-out plan, women can navigate the challenges of motherhood and career with grace and success. “Your journey is unique, and you have the power to shape it in a way that works for you. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, and remember, you are capable of achieving greatness in every aspect of your life.”