Holcim Academy Launches Pioneer leadership programme

In a move to promote knowledge sharing and diversified learning, Holcim Lanka’s Holcim Academy jointly launched yet another flagship programme as Leadership Exploration And Development through Synergies (LEADS), with several other corporates.

The programme launch was held on 16 September at the Postgraduate Institute for Management (PIM).

The uniqueness of this LEADS programme is that it brings together the best and the brightest from several top corporates in a bid to promote cross-cultural learning through a structured ‘Certification’ programme delivered by the Sri Lanka’s premier business school - PIM.


The Human Resources Heads of John Keells Holdings (representing Union Assurance as well) and South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding together at this ceremony, marking this as a great start! The first batch is expected to comprise of 30 participants in mid-level managerial roles representing all 4 corporates.


The LEADS programme is different to traditional leadership programmes as it brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds.

“This is a pioneer initiative as we are the first to host a leadership programme in collaboration with such a diverse membership, varying from different industry leaders.


Holcim constantly aims to draw from its resources in order to act as a knowledge hub for others in the industry.


LEADS is one of many programmes that Holcim Academy has launched, re-establishing the drive and passion at Holcim Lanka to create a learning culture.


This programme aims to provide a joint learning experience, providing some real life experience based on how top corporate people operate in different environments,” said Director – Organisation and HR Mr. Prasad Piyadigama commenting on the launch.

The distinctive features of this programme that go beyond a standard ‘class-room’ learning varies from 3 panel discussions comprising a mix of top leaders from each corporate, who will be on hand to provide key insights on practical leadership issue.


Group case study presentations evaluated by faculty experts from PIM will boost the confidence levels of the participants to think differently in overcoming challenges.


Interactive e-modules will see LEADS getting the best of a virtual learning experience as well.

LEADS has also adopted a personality assessment conducted via an online e-tool which will evaluate & provide a detailed report of a participant’s leadership capabilities.


This tool, after having rated one’s self-explanation of skills & abilities will be used for one-to-one coaching sessions carried out by an expert in accordance with international standards.

“Apart from the knowledge and the skills that will be imparted; the unique value of this programme will be the learning we will gain from each other” commented Ms. Dilani Alagaratnam, President Human Resources and CSR – John Keels Holdings.

Prof. Ajantha Dharamasiri - Director PIM, comments “through the partnership with the Holcim Academy the Post Graduate Institute of Management has a very key role in delivering a high quality learning experience for the participants of this porgramme.


As we begin this very unique certification programme we aim to ensure and maintain a high standard of learning, while further strengthening our relationship with these corporates in building leadership competencies desired for organizational success.”

Formulated to develop a skilled workforce, Holcim Lanka has set up a fully structured accreditation and certification system through the Holcim Academy in partnership with both local & foreign professional educational institutes.

About Holcim (Lanka) Ltd

Holcim (Lanka) Ltd, a member of the LafargeHolcim group is the local subsidiary to the global construction company, currently operating worldwide. Aiming to be a respected corporate citizen, the company focuses on Economic, Social and Environmental performance along the triple bottom line of sustainable development.


Having established the brand in Sri Lanka, Holcim (Lanka) Ltd today provides a range of cement products while also providing materials for major construction projects in the country alongside the provision of technical expertise through the Holcim Innovation and Application Centre, which allows customers to tailor the mix of cement most suitable for them.


The company currently operates island wide with an established network of distributors, united under the vision of ‘building the foundations for the future of Sri Lanka’.

Last modified on Thursday, 24 September 2015 14:23