Engineer by Degree.
Strategist in Action.
Currently driving the Tech Talent Engine at OCTAVE – John Keells Group, where I lead Talent Acquisition and Development, while also managing AI/ML project delivery in my unofficial role as an Analytics Delivery Associate.
Chathrika Aluthge
About Me
Engineer by degree. HR strategist by mission. Data storyteller in the making.
Currently driving the tech talent engine at OCTAVE – John Keells Group, where I lead Talent Acquisition, Development, and Employee Branding & Engagement for cutting-edge roles in data science, machine learning, and analytics. In parallel, I’m also leading AI/ML-driven digitisation projects in the insurance domain as an Analytics Delivery Associate — bridging business needs with smart tech solutions.
From circuits to career paths — My foundation in Mechatronics and International Business Management, paired with a Master’s in IT Management, gives me a unique edge in understanding both people and the technology they power. Currently at 350+ hires (and counting) under my belt.
Former national swimmer, Ex-creative director. Lifelong problem solver with a drive to turn potential into performance — whether it's in a team, a system, or a person.
Achievements
Experience
Lead - Talent Acquisition & Development
OCTAVE - John Keells Group
Jul 2023 - Present
Mainly involved in the Talent aspect of HR. 76 roles (permanent + Intern) hires completed so far, revolving around Data Practitioners.
Analytics Delivery Associate (Unofficial role, performed concurrently with HR responsibilities)
Currently spearheading the delivery of an AI/ML powered digitisation project in the Insurance domain, alongside my HR leadership role. I lead a cross-functional project team (2 Data Scientists, 1 ML Engineer , 1 Data Engineer) focused on streamlining and automating new customer underwriting and onboarding workflows using Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning tools.
Assistant Manager - Talent Acquisition
Envoy Ortus
Nov 2022 - Jun 2023
Was the lead IT recruiter incharge of hiring for 5 IT companies. Completed 50+ hires within the first 3 months. Was also involved in engagement and HRBP.
Previously: Senior Executive - Talent Acquisition (5 months)
Talent Acquisition Partner
Dialog Axiata
Mar 2022 - Nov 2022
Initially in-charge of Intern and contractual hiring, completing close to 100 hires within first 4 months. Later moved to Permanent hiring of IT, Finance, Business Ops and Supply Chain divisions closing 25 hires per month on average.
Previously: Consultant Talent Acquisition Partner (4 months)
Operations Analyst
HealthRecon Connect
Sep 2020 - Mar 2022
Report preparation, documentation, data analysis, and process improvement using Microsoft Word and Excel. Strong problem-solving, research, and collaboration skills with a commitment to efficiency and reliability.
Previously: Associate Analyst (10 months)
Creative Director
Tritercept
Sep 2017 - Sep 2018
Led creative strategy development and execution in a startup, managing talent acquisition, team consulting, and HR partnership. Leveraged interpersonal skills to drive business growth, expand the client base, and guide market expansion.
Volunteering
Editor of Science Union
St.Joseph's College, Colombo
Volunteer
John Keells Foundation
I volunteer regularly for tree planting initiatives and other arts and craft related programs.
Turtle Patroller
The Pearl Protectors
Education
MSc in Computer Science (ITM)
University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom
2024-2026
Currently on a break
BSc (Hons) in International Business Management
University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom
2022-2025
Ongoing
BEng (Hons) in Mechatronics
De Montfort University, United Kingdom
2018-2024
First Class
Pearson BTEC Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership
Pearson College London, United Kingdom
2022-2023
Skills & Languages
Professional Skills
Languages
Other Skills
Engineering Projects
Off-Grid Weather Logger with Solar-Powered Rechargeable System
Developed a self-sustaining environmental monitoring system to measure temperature and humidity in remote areas. Powered entirely by solar energy using a 18650 battery and TP4056 charger circuit. Displayed real-time data on a low-power LCD and logged it to an SD card. Used ESP8266 to transmit readings to a cloud server periodically. Built a Python dashboard to parse CSV logs and visualize trends.
Technologies Used:
Contact Me
Feel free to reach out to me for any inquiries about my experience, skills, or potential opportunities. I'm always open to discussing new projects and challenges.