The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka proudly presented its most prestigious honor—the Lifetime Gold Award—on the opening day of the National Human Resource Conference (NHRC) 2025, held on 2nd June at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. The award ceremony marked a momentous start to Sri Lanka’s flagship HR event, which brings together professionals, academics, and thought leaders from across the region.
The CIPM Lifetime Gold Award is the highest individual recognition in Sri Lanka’s Human Resource Management sphere. It celebrates visionary individuals who have made profound, long-term contributions to the development and elevation of the HR profession at organisational, national, and international levels. Awarded annually, this honor not only acknowledges professional excellence but also upholds the values of ethical leadership, transformational impact, and enduring service to people and institutions.
The selection process for the award is rigorous, impartial, and conducted by a distinguished panel of HR experts, senior corporate leaders, and members of academia. The committee evaluates candidates based on their lifetime achievements, thought leadership, influence on policy and practice, and service to the community through HR.
With over three decades of distinguished service in Human Resources, Ken Vijayakumar has led with integrity, empathy, and a visionary spirit across both public and private sectors. Widely respected as a “people’s leader,” he has consistently empowered teams, mentored future professionals, and bridged generational gaps with warmth and insight. As President of CIPM from 2022 to 2024, his tenure was marked by transformative initiatives such as introducing the Executive Certificate in Reward Management, Ten Leadership Virtues (Dasa Raja Dharma): Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leadership, championing sustainability with solar and zero-plastic projects, embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the Institute’s ethos, establishing the Gallery of Heritage, and revitalizing the CIPM brand through the launch of brand ambassadors—leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and inclusive leadership. Further Ken being the senior lecturer at CIPM since 2007 he has mentored and guided over 1000 students to pursue and excel in professional Human Resources Career.
“The Lifetime Gold Medal is more than just an award—it is a tribute to those who have shaped the very foundations of HR in Sri Lanka,” said Priyantha Ranasinghe, President of CIPM. “This year’s recipient, Ken Vijayakumar, is the embodiment of those ideals. His leadership has left a lasting imprint on CIPM and the broader HR community.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Ken Vijayakumar shared, “This honor is deeply humbling. It represents not just my personal journey, but the collective efforts of many mentors, colleagues, and teams I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years.”
Presented at the grand inauguration of NHRC 2025, the Lifetime Gold Award highlighted the conference’s theme of “Empowering People for a Thriving Nation”, reinforcing the belief that human capital remains the heart of national development.
As CIPM continues to lead the development of HR in Sri Lanka and the region, the Lifetime Gold Award stands as a beacon of recognition, inspiration, and aspiration for all those committed to building a better world of work.
Photo caption:
Ken Vijayakumar receiving the CIPM Lifetime Gold Award at NHRC 2025
