IHRA inaugurates certificate course in Entrepreneurship Management

By Devin Jayasundera

The Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA) of University of Colombo in collaboration with the National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (NCCSL) launched a certificate course in Entrepreneurship Management at the IHRA Auditorium on Monday (10).

IHRA University of Colombo Director Dr. W.K. Hirimburegama

The course is aimed at micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and its objective is to assist and guide entrepreneurs to develop business management skills and to expand and diversify their enterprise. It also aids new comers to business by arming them with the knowledge and skills required in the field of entrepreneurship and management.

The course duration is four months and subjects that are covered include Business Ethics, Good Management Practices, Marketing and Project Management, Leadership, Legal background for MSMEs and development of Entrepreneurship and Communication Skills. The program will also include factory site visits locally or overseas.

Speaking on the quality of the course, IHRA University of Colombo Director Dr. W.K Hirimburegama said, “The course is designed to go beyond traditional means of education. We have given more emphasis in creating a nexus between theory and practice which would immensely benefit the students in taking their businesses to the next level.”

Dr. Hirimburegama pointed out certain factors that would help small and medium enterprises to improve and develop. He noted the need for entrepreneurs to be aligned with the rapid technological advancements taking place, in order to expand their businesses and noted a successful project that combined technology into education where an online diploma course was held for farmers in the agriculture sector in Hambantota.

NCCSL President Asoka Hettigoda

He also stressed upon the importance of learning languages such as Tamil and Chinese that the institute offers. “Learning the Tamil language will provide an opportunity to enter new markets in the north and the east. Doing business today cannot be limited to ones country as we are living in a more connected world we should cater our products to consumers of other countries as well” said Dr. Hirimburegama.

Highlighting the significance of the knowledge worker, he stressed on the need to break away from western dependence mentality. He urged that it is important to cultivate homegrown strategies and ideologies for the prosperity of the nation in the era of knowledge based economies.

NCCSL President Asoka Hettigoda addressing the audience emphasised the significant role of the business community in the countries path to becoming the “Miracle of Asia.” Businesses have the responsibility to propel the growth of the country and this burden should not be placed upon the government as it is only an institution where policy plans are implemented.

Hettigoda reiterated that NCCC, which he described as the focal point of the business community in Sri Lanka, would always support small and medium entrepreneurs for advice, guidance and act as a facilitator to provide a platform for the development of small and medium business.

Pix by Kushan Pathiraja