Nalin Herath, MBA, LLB, PGDBM, CQHRM, PQHRM, Dip in HRM, Dip in HSE, AMCIPM, the Head of Group Human Resources at PrintXcel Group, is a testament to resilience and determination. A former Military Captain and a veteran who lost his left leg below the knee in Palay while serving with the 1st Regiment of Special Forces, Nalin has undergone a couple of surgeries due to battle casualty. Despite these challenges, he has built an illustrious career in HR, holding pivotal roles at ATG-Occupational A, B, & Hand Care B (Pvt) Ltd, Akhtari Group (Pvt) Ltd, JLanka, and BlueArc.
His leadership honors include the Deshaputhra Medal, Purnabumi Medal, North & East Operational Medal, 50th Independent Medal, Army 50th Anniversary Medal, North Humanitarian Operational Medal, and East Humanitarian Operational Medal. These medals acknowledge his exceptional courage, dedication, and significant contributions to military operations and humanitarian efforts during his service.
Reflecting on his 27-year journey, Nalin identifies several moments that have significantly shaped his approach to human resources management. One of the most impactful experiences occurred during his tenure at ATG® – Intelligent Glove Solutions, where he spearheaded a project to develop a comprehensive talent development program. Witnessing the tangible improvements in employees’ performance and satisfaction from this initiative reinforced his belief in the power of strategic HR efforts.
Additionally, his time in the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and resilience. These qualities have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of human resources, especially in high-pressure environments. Nalin’s military background taught him the importance of structure, leadership, and perseverance, which he has seamlessly integrated into his HR practices.
Each role has enriched his understanding of HR as a critical driver of organisational success, from his beginnings at Akhtari Group to his current position at PrintXcel Group. His diverse experiences across various organizations have provided him with a holistic view of human resources, enabling him to implement effective people strategies, enhance workforce diversity, and ensure HR sustainability. Through these experiences, Nalin has honed his ability to manage and motivate teams, leading to a 0% disciplinary inquiry rate among PrintXcel Group’s 1000+ employees, demonstrating the success of his value-based and appreciation-driven culture.
Nalin’s journey into human resources began with a genuine interest in understanding and helping people. He discovered early in his career that HR extended beyond policies and procedures to create environments where individuals could thrive and feel valued. This realization fueled his passion for the field, driving him to make meaningful impacts in the organizations he served.
Over the years, his passion for HR has evolved into a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces. During his tenure at BlueArc Events, he had the opportunity to implement initiatives that significantly improved employee engagement and satisfaction. Witnessing the positive transformation in workplace culture reaffirmed his dedication to the field and highlighted the profound impact that strategic HR initiatives can have on an organization.
Today, Nalin’s passion is driven by the desire to continuously innovate and adapt HR practices to meet the ever-changing needs of the workforce. His experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of how to create supportive, dynamic, and inclusive environments, ensuring that employees feel valued and motivated. This ongoing commitment to innovation and adaptation in HR practices remains at the core of his professional ethos.
Ensuring that HR-related policies and standards comply with legal requirements while promoting a positive and inclusive culture is a nuanced task for Nalin. His approach involves a blend of thorough research, continuous learning, and active listening. By staying updated with the latest regulations and industry standards, he ensures that legal compliance is always a priority at PrintXcel Group. However, he views compliance as merely the starting point.
To foster a positive workplace culture, Nalin actively engages with employees at all levels to understand their needs and concerns. This feedback is crucial in designing policies that are not only fair and inclusive but also resonate with the workforce. For instance, implementing flexible work arrangements and diversity training programs has been instrumental in creating an environment where employees feel respected and valued. These initiatives highlight his commitment to both legal compliance and a thriving workplace culture.
Nalin’s expertise in crafting HR policies is further enriched by his dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. By listening to employee feedback and addressing their concerns, he ensures that the policies are relevant and effective. This proactive approach has led to the development of HR frameworks that support both organizational goals and employee well-being, demonstrating his ability to balance legal obligations with the creation of a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Balancing a demanding career with personal life is indeed a challenge, but Nalin manages to stay energetic and dedicated through a proactive approach to well-being. He prioritizes regular exercise, which not only keeps him physically fit but also helps clear his mind and reduce stress, allowing him to fully enjoy his work without feeling overwhelmed.
Engaging in activities he is passionate about, such as reading and gardening, plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance. These hobbies provide a much-needed break from the professional hustle, allowing him to recharge and return to work with renewed focus and energy. Additionally, Nalin places great importance on spending quality time with his family. Their support and understanding are the bedrock of his personal and professional life, helping him stay grounded and motivated.
This holistic approach to balancing career and personal life ensures that Nalin remains dedicated and energetic. By taking care of his physical health, pursuing his passions, and cherishing family time, he maintains the resilience needed to excel in his demanding role while also enjoying a fulfilling personal life.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Nalin’s career has been mentoring young professionals and witnessing their growth. A particularly memorable experience involved a young HR executive at JLanka Technologies. When she first joined the company, she was enthusiastic but somewhat unsure of her career path. Through regular mentoring sessions, Nalin helped her identify her strengths and set clear professional goals.
Over the years, she blossomed into a confident and highly competent HR manager, eventually leading significant projects and initiatives within the company. Her success story is a source of immense pride and satisfaction for Nalin. It reaffirmed the importance of mentorship and the profound impact it can have on both the mentee and the mentor. Her growth not only contributed to the company’s success but also enriched Nalin’s professional journey by reinforcing the value of investing in people.
This experience underscored for Nalin the transformative power of effective mentorship. By guiding and supporting his mentee, he was able to witness firsthand the positive impact that dedicated mentorship can have on an individual’s career. This, in turn, has deepened his commitment to fostering growth and development within his teams, highlighting the reciprocal benefits of mentorship in the workplace.
Having overcome significant personal challenges, Nalin has proven that nothing is impossible if you think differently. His career, marked by a commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and mentoring young professionals, highlights the transformative power of strategic HR initiatives and personal dedication.
To the younger generation and professionals in the field and corporate sector, Nalin’s message is clear: embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never underestimate the impact of perseverance and innovative thinking. By believing in yourself and staying committed to your goals, you can achieve remarkable success and make a meaningful difference in your organization and beyond. A process of “Made in You” is the best option for anyone to craft a self-brand in each profession. Nalin’s story is such a learning story for young professionals to develop a personal brand featuring self-made propositions. A blend of education and practise-related insights Nalin provides a meaningful example for many young executives to learn how to make a remarkable impact on an organization.