Business
University of Kelaniya launches first ever DBA Alumni in Sri Lanka
The first ever Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Alumni in Sri Lanka was established on 29th May 2021 by the doctorate holders of the DBA program conducted by the University of Kelaniya since 2016.
Due to the prevailing situation in the country, the inaugural meeting was held online with the participation of university staff including the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Senior Professor Ariyarathna Jayamaha, 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 Senior Lecturers as well as former graduates and current students of the DBA program. The Alumni is named ‘DBA Alumni of Kelaniya University’, abbreviated to DBAAKU. While all formerly graduated doctorate holders are absorbed as Fellow Members of the Alumni, the students are offered the opportunity to become Associate Members.
Dr. Nuwan Wimalana, who has served directorial positions in multiple organizations and currently works as a Management Consultant in many large organizations in Sri Lanka, was appointed as the first president. From the other fellow members of the Alumni, Dr. Dinesh Hamangoda, General Manager – Sales, HEMAS Consumer was appointed as the Vice President while Dr. Tharaka Punchibandara, Head of Commercial Operations, SAARC Region, Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Ranjan Dissabandara, Managing Director, Finex Engineering (Pvt) Limited were appointed as the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Alumni respectively.
The DBA program offered by the University of Kelaniya is an exclusive business qualification that is endorsed by a State University of Sri Lanka. Realizing that the current economy is based on skills and productivity, the DBA program seeks to address the demand for strong corporate leaders who are resourceful and original in their approach to business.
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.
It enhances the capability to develop knowledge and theory into productive practice, especially focusing on knowledge designed to solve problems likely to be produced in the workplace. The key objectives of this program therefore are to develop personal, consultancy, and research skills in the context of the relevant field of research.
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.
The establishment of DBAAKU also turned a new page in the majestic history of the University of Kelaniya, launching the first ever DBA Alumni in Sri Lanka and setting the standards by which to follow. DBAAKU aims to establish itself as the first and foremost DBA Alumni among the business fraternity in Sri Lanka. It also intends to formulate a knowledge hub with various educational disciplines to provide expertise advice to any industry, public or private. Furthermore, DBAAKU plans to act as a link among university administration, learning partners, and former graduates whilst acting as ambassadors for the University of Kelaniya to recruit potential candidates.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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