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.