Managing Human Resources in Ancient Sri Lanka A Look at the Role of Kings

 



In the past, kings played a major role in managing the people and resources of Sri Lanka. They oversaw everything from farming to construction and made sure the kingdom was well run. The king's responsibility was to assign tasks, ensure food and water supplies, and organize the community to ensure the safety of the people. This human resource management helped in the growth and development of the kingdom. I invite you to submit your views through the comment column below.

The king managed labor by assigning different tasks to people based on their skills. For that, it is mentioned in Sri Lankan Mahavamsa that they were divided into villages, farmers worked for food production and artisans built temples, irrigation systems and other important structures (Silva, 2018). Large projects like the construction of reservoirs and temples required many men, and the king was able to organize workers properly to complete these tasks efficiently.

Resource management also takes a very special place at that time. At that time, it became the king's responsibility to build tanks, store water and distribute water to everyone during difficult times like drought (Gunasekara, 2020).

The king also kept the kingdom in order by setting rules and encouraging education. People were trained in different skills like farming and craftsmanship to contribute to the kingdom’s growth (Perera, 2019). The king also supported religious practices, which were an important part of social life, with many workers dedicated to maintaining temples and religious sites.

 

Conclusion

The king’s ability to manage human resources played a crucial role in the success of ancient Sri Lanka. By organizing people, managing resources, and maintaining social order, the king ensured the smooth functioning of the kingdom. This form of leadership helped the kingdom prosper and left a lasting legacy.

 

Reflection 

As a banker at Seylan Bank, I see parallels in how we manage resources and people in today’s businesses. Just like the ancient kings, we focus on organizing teams, managing workloads, and ensuring everyone contributes effectively. This kind of leadership and resource management is key to any successful organization, whether in ancient times or modern business environments.

 

References

 

- Gunasekara, N., 2020. Irrigation and Agriculture in Ancient Sri Lanka. Journal of Sri Lankan History, 32(1), pp.15-25.

 

- Perera, S., 2019. The Role of Kings in Early Sri Lankan Society. South Asian Studies, 45(2), pp.112-126.

 

- Silva, K., 2018. Craftsmanship and Construction in Ancient Sri Lanka. Heritage Journal, 29(3), pp.88-94.

Comments

  1. It is a good reflection on how the early kings of Sri Lanka took people and the resources in order to effectively organize their kingdom.

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  2. This insightful post highlights the ancient kings' strategic role in resource and human resource management, showcasing their foresight in organizing labor, managing resources, and fostering community growth and stability.

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  3. Fascinating post on the historical HR practices of Sri Lankan kings! You've excellently highlighted their roles in labor and resource management, illustrating how these ancient practices contributed to the kingdom's growth and development. Your references to historical texts and specific examples add depth and credibility. Well-researched and engaging. Great work!

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  4. This post highlights the significant role of kings in ancient Sri Lanka as effective managers of human resources and community organization. By skillfully assigning tasks and managing resources they facilitated agricultural and infrastructural development ensuring societal stability and prosperity. The parallels drawn with modern business practices underscore the timeless importance of effective leadership.

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  5. This is great idea,you selected Malli,when we go through we can get really idea about our ancient times HR,interest to read this and get new ideas for me

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  6. The crucial role that monarchs had in overseeing people and resources in ancient Sri Lanka is fascinatingly examined in this . The intricacy of their governance is demonstrated by the thorough explanations of duty assignments and community organization. I particularly value the link drawn between traditional methods and contemporary leadership ideas. Fantastic !

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  7. The following analysis infuses one with curiosity as to how Sri Lankan kings, in ancient times, managed human resources through proper organization and allocation of resources. This draws a comparison to show that some of the fundamental principles governing modern practices remain constant: great leadership and skilled labor are very much significant for the accomplishment of growth and stability in society.

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  8. Great article , It's really interesting how you have relate ancient Sri Lankan leadership with HR and you have highlighted importance of fundamental principles which still remain constant.

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  9. "Fascinating perspective! Exploring how ancient Sri Lankan kings managed resources highlights the timeless importance of leadership in HR. It’s impressive how these principles continue to shape modern HR practices."

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