PIM achieves a new milestone with the simultaneous launch of its International MBA in the UAE, Oman and Kuwait

Standing tall from the rest, the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) inaugurated a new batch for its prestigious MBA internationally in the UAE, Oman and Kuwait simultaneously recently.

PIM MBA is the most sought-after postgraduate qualification from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the largest university in Sri Lanka. PIM also boasts of having alumni (PIMA) in many countries outside Sri Lanka. 

PIMA – UAE President Damith Fonseka, who played a decisive role in coordinating the program and the ceremony, welcomed the newly selected MBA aspirants, as well as to the PIM’s Director and faculty. He also extended a warm welcome to Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman Omar Lebbe Ameerajward, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Kuwait U.L. Mohammed Jauhar, and Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE Malraj De Silva, who presented himself while being in the USA on official commitments. Fonseka also specifically mentioned Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Nalinda Wijeratne, for joining this memorable occasion while being currently engaged in the Expo-Lanka exhibition in the UAE. 

PIM Director Dr. Senaka Kelum Gamage, while being thankful to the PIMA Oman Chapter for assisting in the coordination of the international program, spoke of the speciality and uniqueness of the PIM’s MBA program. He said that the PIM not only enjoys pioneering status as the institute that initiated postgraduate management studies in the country, but it is also backed by the country’s largest university, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He emphasised that in a world that is becoming increasingly complex, what is expected of an MBA is gaining mastery. Herein, the PIM’s MBA is meticulously designed and conducted to help students develop a global mindset while having a local feel to achieve mastery in the particular disciplines they operate, he noted. He also thanked the faculty and the administrative staff for the efficient conduct of the PIM’s programs thus far. He was specifically appreciative of the Ambassadors for gracing this important event amidst their busy official commitments.

Ambassador De Silva addressing the assembly said that he was inspired by watching the PIM’s inspirational video, as his personal motto is to climb up the ladder without being satisfied by the basics. He said that he was proud of the performances of the Sri Lankan community living in the UAE, as they have been considered as the best workforce. He, therefore, suggested that the acronym PIM should actually be read as the Practical Innovative Management Institute.  

PIM Former Director Prof. Ajantha S. Dharmasiri, addressing the distinguished gathering, extended a warm welcome to the new learning partners. He said that in the post-COVID era, we need to find solutions to the issues posed by the new normal world. Herein he emphasised the two acronyms – VUCA 1.0, which stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, and VUCA 2.0, representing vision, understanding, confidence and agility. The new MBA will provide the right skillset, right mindset, and the right toolset to grapple with these issues, he noted. The MBA in fact will thus be a journey of transformation based on three approaches: to be humble, holistic and humane, he added. 

Ambassador Ameerajward profusely thanked the PIM for the great initiative of bringing higher education to the doorstep of Sri Lankans employed in the Middle East. This move will equip them with the necessary skills and competencies to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively, he added. 

Ambassador Jauhar mentioned the PIM’s efforts to continue with its MBA programs, which he said would for certain enable the Sri Lankan community employed in the region to secure better jobs with higher remuneration. 

Dr. Gayan Jayakody and Asanga Ranasinghe of the PIM faculty shared their experiences on how they circumvented issues and the different approaches called for in doing PhD and DBA programs, respectively. This will be another step unique for PIM with the launch of the PhD and DBA for the first time outside Sri Lanka, they noted.