Lakshila Pranayani
Assistant Manager - Human Resources
97/14 A, Abeyrathna Road, Boralassgamuwa
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented HR professional with over 13 years of total experience, including 10 years of specialized expertise in Human Resources across Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, Payroll, Performance Management, and Industrial Relations (IR). Adept at leading full-cycle recruitment initiatives, managing large-scale hiring campaigns, and executing HR strategies aligned with business goals. Proven ability to enhance employee experience through structured onboarding, policy implementation, and streamlined HR systems such as ATS and onboarding tracking tools. Experienced in supporting preopening property setups, conducting HR audits, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive operational efficiency. Recognized for building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering impactful HR solutions within the hospitality industry.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
27
27
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Assistant Manager - Talent Acquisition
Cinnamon Hotels Management Ltd
10.2022 - Current
- Spearhead the development and execution of strategic talent acquisition initiatives to fulfill critical workforce requirements at Corporate office of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
- Delivering a seamless and engaging onboarding experience by designing a comprehensive induction program and ensuring all operational essentials are in place on Day One through cross-functional collaboration.
- Lead high-volume recruitment drives and employer branding events aimed at positioning Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as an employer of choice, driving visibility and candidate engagement.
- Partner with property management teams on pre-opening projects, overseeing end-to-end recruitment strategies, including candidate sourcing and promotional campaigns tailored to each property's needs.
- Successfully implemented and currently manage the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), enhancing recruitment efficiency and enabling real-time data reporting for strategic decision-making.
- Collaborate with vendors and the internal IT team to manage the ATS dashboard, ensuring key recruitment metrics and insights are accessible to relevant stakeholders.
- Conduct quarterly pulse checks across all 17 hotels to identify opportunities for system improvements, additional training needs, and any technical challenges.
- Monitor monthly ATS usage across all properties, ensuring 100% compliance and adoption of system processes.
- Collaborate with technical and HR teams in designing and refining the Onboarding Tracking System (OTS) across various operational models, while coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure system consistency and maintenance.
Assistant Manager - Human Resources
Micronet Information System (Pvt) Ltd
04.2021 - 09.2022
- Collaborate with client companies to understand technical and operational staffing needs.
- Lead full-cycle recruitment: sourcing, headhunting, screening, conducting interviews, and facilitating final selection.
- Manage smooth onboarding processes, ensuring compliance with both client and company policies.
- Lead and mentor a three-member HR operations team to ensure timely execution of staffing and employee support functions.
- Monitor day-to-day HR activities, and continuously improve operational workflows for better efficiency and service quality.
- Oversee end-to-end employee engagement, from onboarding to offboarding.
- Act as the point of contact for outsourced staff to handle queries, conflict resolution, grievances, and engagement initiatives.
- Manage monthly payroll processing for all outsourced employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with statutory requirements
- Coordinate with finance and compliance teams to manage salary disbursements, reimbursements, and deductions.
- Address payroll-related queries and ensure transparency and employee satisfaction.
- Design and implement performance management frameworks tailored to outsourced IT roles and client KPIs.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, feedback sessions, and coordinate with clients for appraisals and performance improvement plans.
- Identify high-performing talent and support their development through upskilling or client transitions.
- Develop, review, and implement HR policies and standard operating procedures for managing staff across different clients.
- Ensure alignment of HR initiatives with broader business objectives and client expectations.
- Handle labour law compliance, disciplinary actions, and all employee-related legal matters.
- Liaise with legal advisors to ensure all employment practices meet regulatory and contractual standards.
- Maintain accurate HR documentation including contracts, warning letters, and compliance records.
- Serve as a strategic HR liaison to client organizations, ensuring consistent communication and fulfillment of staffing commitments.
- Provide performance, headcount, and compliance reports to clients regularly.
Executive - Human Resources
Central Finance Company PLC
08.2018 - 03.2021
- Maintained and updated personal files for Executive-grade staff across all branches.
- Managed all lifecycle events including confirmations, promotions, increments, transfers, resignations, retirements, and cessation updates.
- Issued official HR letters (salary, service confirmations, undertakings) and coordinated final settlements with Head Office (e.g., gratuity, last salaries).
- Prepared manpower reports for the Board of Directors monthly.
- Coordinated internal and external recruitment processes from job design and posting to final selection.
- Liaised with HODs and external agencies for CV screening, interviews, and final hiring decisions.
- Ensured compliance in onboarding including CRIB checks, approvals, document signing, and file completion.
- Coordinated with the Salaries Department to manage payroll and ensure statutory compliance (EPF, ETF, PAYE).
- Manually processed payroll in previous roles, including overtime and reimbursement calculations.
- Provided timely salary-related reports and confirmation letters to staff and financial institutions.
- Attended audit meetings, identified staff lapses, and implemented corrective actions in collaboration with the GM HR.
- Handled disciplinary cases, including gathering statements, coordinating Disciplinary Committee meetings, and forwarding decisions for final approval by the Managing Director.
- Reported terminations/suspensions to the FHA and Central Bank quarterly and liaised with the Labour Department on employee disputes.
- Advised GM HR on increment and bonus eligibility of staff with disciplinary actions.
- Conducted training needs analysis across departments and coordinated with outsourced trainers to deliver programs.
- Organized both internal and external training sessions, including budgeting, logistics, and feedback collection.
- Led induction programs for new staff and contributed to building a consistent learning culture.
- Worked closely with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to develop HR policies, procedures, and employee engagement strategies.
- Participated in internal HR policy development to align with the organization's disciplinary standards and operational goals.
- Supported insurance and health benefit coordination for staff, including claims and renewals.
Executive - Human Resources
Biz Worldwide Pvt Ltd
01.2017 - 08.2018
Coordinator, HR Implementation
Infoseek Pvt Ltd
02.2016 - 01.2017
Documentation Executive
BV Global (Pvt) Ltd
09.2012 - 01.2016
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Global University of Bedfordshire
01.2018 - 01.2020
BSc (Hons) - Business Administration (External)
University of Sri Jayawardanapura
01.2013 - 01.2019
Labour Law & Industrial Relations certificate program - undefined
Employer's Federation of Ceylon
PQHRM -
Chartered Institute of Personnel Management
01.2014 - 01.2017
CMA - Managerial Level
Certified Management Accountants in Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka 01.2014 - 01.2016
AAT - undefined
Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka
01.2010 - 01.2012
G.C.E. Advance Level - Sinhala Medium
Dharmapala Vidyalaya
01.2010 - 01.2012
G.C.E. Ordinary Level - English Medium
Dharmapala Vidyalaya
01.1999 - 01.2009
Skills
Verbal and written communication
Multitasking and organization
Conflict resolution
Customer service and satisfaction
Teamwork and collaboration
Time management abilities
Decision-making
Adaptability and flexibility
Websites And Social Links - Linked In
linkedin.com/in/lakshila-pranayani-a50b3a62
References
Reference available upon request
Timeline
Assistant Manager - Talent Acquisition
Cinnamon Hotels Management Ltd
10.2022 - Current
Assistant Manager - Human Resources
Micronet Information System (Pvt) Ltd
04.2021 - 09.2022
Executive - Human Resources
Central Finance Company PLC
08.2018 - 03.2021
Master of Business Administration -
Global University of Bedfordshire
01.2018 - 01.2020
Executive - Human Resources
Biz Worldwide Pvt Ltd
01.2017 - 08.2018
Coordinator, HR Implementation
Infoseek Pvt Ltd
02.2016 - 01.2017
PQHRM -
Chartered Institute of Personnel Management
01.2014 - 01.2017
CMA - Managerial Level
Certified Management Accountants in Sri Lanka
01.2014 - 01.2016
BSc (Hons) - Business Administration (External)
University of Sri Jayawardanapura
01.2013 - 01.2019
Documentation Executive
BV Global (Pvt) Ltd
09.2012 - 01.2016
AAT - undefined
Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka
01.2010 - 01.2012
G.C.E. Advance Level - Sinhala Medium
Dharmapala Vidyalaya
01.2010 - 01.2012
G.C.E. Ordinary Level - English Medium
Dharmapala Vidyalaya
01.1999 - 01.2009
Labour Law & Industrial Relations certificate program - undefined
Employer's Federation of Ceylon
Similar Profiles
Weladage Don Gehan SachindaWeladage Don Gehan Sachinda
IT Executive at Cinnamon Hotel Management - Cinnamon Hotels & ResortsIT Executive at Cinnamon Hotel Management - Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Bawadharani PrasannaBawadharani Prasanna
Sales Coordinator at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts – Maldives SectorSales Coordinator at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts – Maldives Sector
Asanka SirimanneAsanka Sirimanne
IT Consultant -L3 at Cinnamon Hotels & ResortsIT Consultant -L3 at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
OSHIN PAHALWANOSHIN PAHALWAN
Assistant Manager – Talent Acquisition at Wildnet TechnologiesAssistant Manager – Talent Acquisition at Wildnet Technologies
Sowmya VSowmya V
Assistant Manager - Talent Acquisition at MeeshoAssistant Manager - Talent Acquisition at Meesho