Priyantha Rathnayake
Manager - Compensation and Benefits
No 233/44, Blue Mountain Housing Scheme, Moragoda, Gampaha
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven HR professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, Administration, and Compliance Management within the apparel industry. Proven expertise in group-level HR operations, compensation and benefits management, HR audits, compliance, and leadership across multiple regions (Sri Lanka, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt). Recognized for implementing strategic HR systems, employee relations programs, and compliance frameworks that align with organizational goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager – Group Compensation & Benefits
Hela Apparel Holdings
04.2021 - Current
- Lead group-wide compensation and benefits strategy across Sri Lanka, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
- Drive policy alignment, salary structuring, and benefits administration to ensure competitiveness and retention.
- Partner with leadership teams on HR audits, tribunal cases, and compliance governance.
- Spearheaded the HRIS implementation project enhancing payroll and performance processes across SBUs.
Assistant Manager – Human Resources
Hela Apparel Holdings
12.2018 - 03.2021
- Oversaw end-to-end HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, performance appraisals, and grievance handling.
- Developed training & development frameworks that improved employee engagement and reduced turnover.
- Directed administration and compliance activities, ensuring 100% audit clearance from global brands.
Assistant Manager HR & Compliance (Head of HR)
Regal Image International (e Hela Pvt Ltd)
Katunayake
09.2016 - 11.2018
- Managed plant-level HR & compliance functions including workforce planning, payroll, and legal requirements.
- Handled compliance certifications for major clients (Tesco, Levi’s, etc.).
- Designed performance grading system improving fairness and promotions.
Assistant Manager HR/Admin / HR Executive / HR Assistant
Hela Clothing Pvt Ltd
Kadawatha
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Drove HR initiatives across 800+ employees.
- Implemented welfare programs, payroll systems, and employee relations frameworks, including grievance handling.
- Administration activities and compliance handling
HR Assistant / In-plant Trainee
Smart Shirts Lanka Ltd
Hunnasgiriya
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Assisted in recruitment, payroll, and HR administrative functions.
Education
MBA – Master of Business Administration -
Wrexham Glyndwr University
UK01-2024
HND in Labour Law & Industrial Relations -
NILS
Sri Lanka01-2020
Diploma in Psychological Counselling -
IPMS
Sri lanka01-2013
Advanced National Diploma in HR Management -
NIBM
Sri Lanka01-2012
Advanced Certificate in Counselling Skills -
NIBM
Sri Lanka01-2011
Certificate in Computer Programming -
TEC Sri Lanka
Sri LankaCertificate in Graphic Designing -
SMID
Sri LankaSkills
- Strategic HR Management & Policy Implementation
- Compensation & Benefits (Group-level & International)
- Talent Acquisition, Onboarding & Retention Strategies
- HRIS Implementation & Digital HR Solutions
- Employee Engagement & Relations
- Labour Law, Industrial Relations & Disciplinary Management
- Training & Development / Performance Management
- Global Compliance (Levi’s, George, VS, Tesco, etc)
- Administration & Facility Management
Websites
References
- Ms. Kumudu Shyamalee, Deputy General Manager (Group Compensation & Benefits), Hela Clothing Pvt Ltd, 0772662278
- Ms. Manique Jayasooriya, Director – HR, MAS Holdings (Former GM – Hela Clothing Pvt Ltd), 0777805980
Achievements And Leadership
- Conducted group-level HR audits across multiple countries.
- Successfully handled labour tribunal cases ensuring favorable outcomes.
- Runner-up in National Science Competition – developed herbal water filter (2006).
- Recognized for employee engagement initiatives reducing attrition rates in apparel sector.
Personal Information
- Age: 37
- Date of Birth: 04/11/88
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Sri Lankan
- Marital Status: Married
- Religion: Buddhism
Languages
Sinhala
First Language
English
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Timeline
Manager – Group Compensation & Benefits
Hela Apparel Holdings
04.2021 - Current
Assistant Manager – Human Resources
Hela Apparel Holdings
12.2018 - 03.2021
Assistant Manager HR & Compliance (Head of HR)
Regal Image International (e Hela Pvt Ltd)
09.2016 - 11.2018
Assistant Manager HR/Admin / HR Executive / HR Assistant
Hela Clothing Pvt Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2016
HR Assistant / In-plant Trainee
Smart Shirts Lanka Ltd
01.2009 - 01.2011
MBA – Master of Business Administration -
Wrexham Glyndwr University
HND in Labour Law & Industrial Relations -
NILS
Diploma in Psychological Counselling -
IPMS
Advanced National Diploma in HR Management -
NIBM
Advanced Certificate in Counselling Skills -
NIBM
Certificate in Computer Programming -
TEC Sri Lanka
Certificate in Graphic Designing -
SMID