JXG’s Wasanthi Stephen makes history as the first female recipient of the CIPM Sri Lanka Lifetime Gold Award

JXG (Janashakthi Group) proudly celebrates Wasanthi Stephen, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, on becoming the first female recipient of the prestigious CIPM-Baurs Lifetime Gold Award 2026 from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka since the award’s inception. Presented on 14 October 2026, at the opening of the National Human Resource Conference (NHRC) 2026 at Monarch Imperial, Kotte, the award marks a historic milestone for Sri Lanka’s Human Resources profession and a proud moment for JXG.

The highest individual recognition in Sri Lanka’s Human Resource Management sphere, the CIPM Sri Lanka Lifetime Gold Award celebrates individuals whose long-standing contributions have advanced the HR profession at organisational, national, and international levels. It recognises professional excellence, ethical leadership, transformational impact, and a sustained commitment to people and institutions.

With extensive expertise spanning leadership, talent development, employee wellbeing, women’s advancement, and the future of work, Wasanthi has made significant contributions to the evolution of HR as a strategic driver of organisational performance. Her professional standing has also received international recognition, including the Global Recognition Award for Leadership in Human Resources in 2024.

At JXG, Wasanthi plays a pivotal role in transforming people practices across the Group. Her leadership has driven the establishment of an integrated shared services unit, advanced paperless HR operations, and strengthened collaboration, efficiency, and service delivery. Under her leadership, Group companies have earned recognition for people development, HR governance, workplace excellence, and leadership, while advancing ethical decision-making and the responsible application of artificial intelligence.

Throughout her career, Wasanthi has championed a people-centred approach to organisational progress, with a focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, women’s advancement, and inclusive workplaces. Her work reflects the increasingly strategic role of HR in building organisations where people can grow, contribute, and thrive.

Wasanthi’s achievement reflects the impact of purposeful leadership in shaping people, strengthening organisations, and advancing the HR profession. Her recognition marks a significant milestone for JXG and Sri Lanka’s HR community, setting an inspiring benchmark for the future of human resource management.

About JXG (Janashakthi Group)

JXG (Janashakthi Group) is a Sri Lankan financial conglomerate, with a presence spanning in the insurance, finance & leasing, and investment banking verticals. Each of the Group’s core businesses is a formidable player in its industry. JXG comprises First Capital Holdings PLC, Janashakthi Insurance PLC, Janashakthi Finance PLC and its philanthropic arm, the Janashakthi Foundation.

JXG’s roots trace back to the early 1990s when its founder and Chairman emeritus, Mr. C.T.A. Schaffter, established Sri Lanka’s first specialized life insurance company, playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing the industry. Over the following decades, through strategic mergers and acquisitions, the Group has expanded its reach and influence.

The 'X' in the brand name symbolizes exciting opportunities, expansion, and exponential growth, representing the multiplication of potential as a unified entity. Guided by its purpose of "Breaking Barriers, Forging Futures" JXG is shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s financial industry.