Where HR Meets Law, Gihani Weerasekara’s Balanced Approach

From recruitment to an employee’s final exit, the role of human resources operates within a legal framework. Gihani Weerasekara, Head of Human Resources and Legal at Giga Foods (Pvt) Ltd, understands this better than most. Combining her HR expertise with a deep understanding of the law, Gihani ensures every decision aligns with both people and policy.

“HR and law go hand in hand. From signing a contract to conducting an exit interview, it’s all legally bound,” she explains. “Yet, not everyone realizes how much the law protects them.” For Gihani, this dual focus isn’t just about compliance; it’s about building trust and fairness across the organization.

Driving Innovation at Giga Foods

Gihani thrives in an environment as innovative as Giga Foods, which has set itself apart in the food industry with its unique approach to crafting burgers. With seven outlets, a corporate office, and production units, Gihani oversees approximately 90 employees and is preparing for expansion.

Her primary focus is on creating a positive workplace culture. “We organize activities that bring employees together, building connection and engagement,” she shares. Yet, she understands that challenges arise.

When someone decides to leave, it often points to gaps—training issues, internal politics, or miscommunication. Handling these situations requires careful attention.

Trust and transparency, she believes, are essential to overcoming these challenges. “Managers need to lead by example, communicate clearly, and be open to honest dialogues. If one side isn’t transparent, it affects the entire team.”

Adapting to Modern Trends

In a world dominated by artificial intelligence, Gihani sees a clear limitation: “AI can’t deal with human emotions. Understanding a candidate or an employee often comes down to what’s not expressed out loud.”

On remote work, she offers a balanced perspective. “Work-life balance is important, but for companies in operational stages like ours, physical presence is crucial. While IT-driven businesses can adapt, operations rely on teamwork on the ground. In Sri Lanka, we saw a shift to remote work, but now many companies are returning to physical setups.”

However, Gihani anticipates a future demand for flexible working policies. “Companies will need clear frameworks. Currently, there’s no law for remote work in Sri Lanka, but it might be implemented with time.”

Building Skills and Driving Change

Gihani’s approach to HR is grounded in communication and fairness. “You need to actively listen, build trust, and handle conflicts objectively. Emotional intelligence, patience, and empathy are non-negotiable skills.”

She also advocates for structured investment in employee development. “Companies should allocate training budgets per employee, especially for skills in demand. A legal framework to support this would make a real difference.”

The Journey to Leadership

Gihani’s career reflects her commitment to growth. She began as a Payroll Intern at InfoMate before rising through HR and finance roles at PickMe and Rockland Distilleries. Her experience in payroll, benefits, and financial analysis shaped her holistic approach to HR.

Alongside her professional journey, Gihani has pursued a robust education. She holds an MBA from the University of the West of England, a Chartered Qualification in HR Management, and is reading for her LLB and Attorney-at-Law certifications.

A Dual Advantage

At Giga Foods, Gihani leverages her HR expertise and legal knowledge to deliver results. Whether addressing employee concerns, mentoring managers, or aligning policies, she operates with clarity and purpose. “Transparency and recognition are key to building win-win situations,” she says.

Her story is one of precision, balance, and impact—proof that when HR and law come together, organizations don’t just comply; they thrive.