University of Kelaniya holds AGM of first-ever DBA Alumni in Sri Lanka

The first AGM of DBAAKU (Doctor of Business Administration Alumni of Kelaniya University) was held on 10 th June at the Waters’ Edge with the participation of University Dignitaries, Fellow members and the Associate Members of the Alumni. The AGM was attended by the university staff including the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, the Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, Dr. Narada Fernando, the Coordinator of the DBA Program, Professor C. Pathirawasam, Heads of the Departments, and the Senior Lectures who serve as the Advisory Committee members of the Alumni.

The outgoing President of the inaugural year of 2021/22, Dr. Nuwan Wimalana, Business Consultant, Corporate Director and visiting Lecturer handed over the Presidency of the year 2022/23 to the VP of the last year, Dr. Dinesh Hamangoda, General Manager – Sales, HEMAS Consumer. Accordingly, Dr. Tharaka Punchibandara, Head of Commercial Operations, SAARC Region, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, handed over his responsibility to Dr. Chandi Wijayasinghe, Director Planning and Monitoring, Central Environment Authority who was appointed as the Secretary. And Dr. Ranjan Dissabandara, Managing Director, Finex Engineering (Pvt) Limited transferred his responsibilities to Dr. Damith Gangodawilage, MD/CEO of Taxperts who took over the responsibility of the Treasurer for the year 2022/23.

According to the constitution, an Executive Committee was established including 7 staff members of the University at advisory level and 12 Fellow members as the office bearers.

The DBA is a professional doctorate with a focus on business practice alongside a deep understanding of related theoretical underpinnings. The DBA program and its candidates pivot on making a seminal contribution to their chosen profession and industry. The DBA is developed in the context of practice and is followed by practitioners, managers and industry professionals. It is designed to enhance executive and professional practice through the application of sound theory and rigorous research into real and complex issues in business and management.

In accordance with the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF), the DBA is a SLQF 12 qualification which is the highest level of qualification awarded in Sri Lanka. It is an internationally recognized qualification that was first introduced in the USA, UK, and Australia. Despite being relatively new, the DBA program at the University of Kelaniya is in high demand.