INSEE Cement HR excellence has been nationally recognised after the company emerged as the Manufacturing sector winner at the inaugural CIPM Great HR Awards 2025, highlighting its people-centred approach to workforce development and sustainable organisational growth.
INSEE Cement HR excellence sets new benchmarks in manufacturing people practices
INSEE Cement HR excellence has earned national recognition after Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited, operating under the INSEE Cement brand, was named the winner in the Manufacturing sector at the inaugural CIPM Great HR Awards 2025. The awards were organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka in collaboration with global HR consulting leader Mercer.
The accolade reflects INSEE Cement’s sustained commitment to advancing human resource practices through progressive, people-focused initiatives that prioritise employee capability development, wellbeing, and long-term organisational sustainability. Beyond internal achievements, the recognition also acknowledges the company’s broader influence in elevating HR standards across Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector.
The CIPM Great HR Awards were launched as a new national platform to celebrate organisations demonstrating innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to their people. Winners were evaluated across multiple dimensions, including people strategy, leadership and capability development, employer branding, technology adoption, industrial relations, and the measurable impact of HR practices on business performance.
Commenting on the recognition, Thusith C. Gunawarnasuriya, Chief Operating Officer of Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited, said the award represented a proud moment for the organisation. He noted that the achievement reinforces the company’s belief that people are the true drivers of organisational excellence. According to Gunawarnasuriya, INSEE Cement remains committed to creating an environment where employees feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow, with the award reflecting the dedication of HR teams and business leaders who continuously strengthen a culture rooted in learning, safety, wellbeing, and accountability.
As Sri Lanka’s leading and only fully integrated cement manufacturer, INSEE Cement plays a vital role in supporting the country’s construction sector through a comprehensive portfolio of building materials. Its operations are underpinned by a strong focus on sustainability and its purpose-led brand promise, ‘Build for Life’. This philosophy extends beyond products and operational performance, shaping the company’s approach to talent management, organisational culture, and people development.
INSEE Cement’s people strategy places equal emphasis on capability and care, recognising that sustainable business success is built on the foundation of employee development and wellbeing. Over the years, the company has invested significantly in progressive HR practices covering leadership development, performance management, reward frameworks, employee wellbeing initiatives, and occupational health and safety programmes. These efforts are designed to strengthen individual and team performance while cultivating a workplace culture where employees feel genuinely valued and motivated to contribute.
The organisation’s comprehensive HR framework includes structured leadership development pathways, robust succession planning mechanisms, advanced learning platforms, and holistic wellbeing programmes. These initiatives are designed to support employees at every stage of their professional journey, from onboarding and early career development through to senior leadership roles.
This long-term and consistent commitment has enabled INSEE Cement to embed learning, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement into everyday work practices. As a result, the company has seen positive outcomes not only in employee engagement and satisfaction but also in overall business performance, reinforcing the strategic link between people investment and organisational results.
The recognition for INSEE Cement HR excellence also underscores the company’s belief that competitive advantage is sustained through people capability. From frontline employees to senior management, the organisation provides access to development opportunities, support systems, and clear pathways for growth. This inclusive approach ensures that talent across the organisation is nurtured and aligned with the company’s long-term strategic objectives.
The awards followed a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process led by CIPM and Mercer, supported by a distinguished panel of eminent HR and business leaders from diverse industries. The assessment included a detailed written submission, evaluation of HR strategy and governance frameworks, in-depth reviews of employee lifecycle programmes, and scrutiny of measurable business and people impact metrics. For the INSEE HR team, the process also served as a valuable benchmarking exercise against national and international best practices.
Looking ahead, INSEE Cement remains focused on deepening its people impact by embedding data-driven insights into HR decision-making, enhancing the end-to-end employee experience, and strengthening collaboration between HR and business leadership. The company aims to continue pioneering HR innovations that support organisational resilience, adaptability, and long-term value creation as workforce expectations evolve.
As Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector navigates rapid change and increasing competition, the recognition of INSEE Cement HR excellence at the CIPM Great HR Awards 2025 sets a strong benchmark for how people-centred strategies can drive sustainable growth and organisational success.