Meet Chathurini Kariyawasam: Secretary of the Year 2023
Chathurini Kariyawasam is a shining example of devotion with the warmth of her smile, not hesitant to go the extra mile, hard effort, and resilience. Raised in Ja-ela, Sri Lanka, Chathurini has traveled through several academic and professional domains to become a model figure in the field of professional and administrative secretaries. As we learn more about her background, it becomes clear why the Sri Lanka Association of Administrative & Professional Secretaries (SLAAPS) honored her with the title of Secretary of the Year 2023.
Early life and education
Chathurini, the eldest daughter of two siblings, began her schooling at Good Shepherd Convent Colombo 13. Her leadership abilities shined through when she assumed the job of School Deputy Games Prefect, actively engaging in competitions, tournaments, and other extracurricular events. Her dedication to the school community extended beyond her academic interests, as she’s an active member of the Past Pupils Association (PPA) and worked in tirelessly as the school batch coordinator, organizing annual gatherings and coordinating charitable initiatives for the 2009 Batch.
Professional ascent
Chathurini’ s professional trajectory is defined by her unwavering pursuit of excellence and lifelong learning. After earning professional qualifications in human resource management from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM), she further her education by earning a General MBA from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. She is now seeking chartered credentials in human resource management to further her experience and passion to her career & obtained the Associate Membership from CIPM.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to a variety of organizations with growing responsibility and effect. Chathurini has demonstrated her multifaceted skills and adaptability throughout her career, beginning as a trainee Admin/HR assistant at Okaya Lanka Pvt Ltd and progressing to entrepreneurship as a business proprietor at Dashaka Innovation, and later as a Secretary to the Chairman cum Admin Executive at DHT Cement Pvt Ltd.
Chathurini is now working at A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd, also known as Baurs, as the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Managing Director/Director Agriculture. She orchestrates seamless operations, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. Her work entails a wide range of tasks, from handling fertilizer imports to serving as the agriculture division’s HR business partner role and organizing / compeering in all agriculture-related activities. Her engagement in the Baurs Toastmasters Club (BTC) as Charter Secretary 2022/2023, Project Chair of the Baurs 2nd Installation ceremony 2023 and current member demonstrates her leadership and organizational abilities.
Achievements
Chathurini’ s professional success was acknowledged nationwide when she received the coveted Best Secretary Award 2023 from SLAAPS, highlighting her remarkable abilities, devotion, and contribution to the sector. Further Recognized as the Best Speech crafter in 2020/2021 at Baurs & Club level Humorous Speech Contest Winner of year 2022/2023 at Baurs. her dedication to the profession extends beyond her workplace, as she is an EXCO member of SLAAPS for the 2024/2025 term and one of the committee members of the 26th Asia Pacific Secretaries Association (ASA) congress in Sri Lanka for April 2025.
Personal life and interests
Chathurini is a dedicated mother of two children and a loving wife who balances a busy work and continued education. Her ability to balance career obligations, personal commitments, and intellectual aspirations is nothing short of inspirational. Despite her hectic schedule, she finds time to pursue her passions, which include dancing, singing, poetry, and watching TV shows and movies. As a Roman Catholic, she values her faith and practicing the values in her normal day to day work.
Chathurini Kariyawasam’s journey, which will culminate in her 34th birthday in 2024, is one of resilience, commitment, and the quest for perfection. Her achievements to her job, family, and community set an inspiring example for many, making her a worthy recipient of the Secretary of the Year 2023 honor. Chathurini’ s tale is a source of inspiration, demonstrating that with passion and determination, anybody can achieve excellence in their area.
