DeVry University offers unique MBA program to Sri Lankan students

• Asian International Academy partners with global NYSE listed education giant

Asian International Academy Managing Director Shanil Jayasekera delivering the welcome address

AMCHAM Executive Director Radika Obeyesekere addressing the gathering

DeVry Education Group Managing Director International Ranil Herath and DeVry Education Group ‎Manager International Recruitment Rachel Ross during the presentation

From left: Panel discussion moderated by Ruwani Karunarathne with panellists including Copal AMBA Director/Country Head Chanakya Dissanayake, DeVry Education Group Managing Director International Ranil Herath, Senior Advisor and Stax Inc former Managing Director Arj Wignaraja, and CFO Brandix Lanka Hasitha Premaratne

Asian International Academy (AIA), a new generation institute which focuses on innovation, equality and contemporary study programs, entered into an agreement with DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management to offer an MBA qualification in Sri Lanka. DeVry University is a DeVry Education Group Inc: (NYSE:DV) institution. 

The launch ceremony was held at Galadari Hotel Colombo including representatives of DeVry University, students and corporates. Through this introduction, students can read for the MBA in Sri Lanka or transfer to the US for the second year. Studying in the US for more than one year makes you eligible to work in the US for one year under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period which helps students to obtain the much need international exposure. 

The partnership enables students to obtain an MBA with a concentration in one of the 12 specific areas and take a mix of electives and concentration courses that matches ones career interests and goals. Asian International Academy is set to facilitate a strong MBA qualification covering an array of industries including; accounting, finance, general management hospitality management, human resources, information systems management, international business, marketing, project management, and sustainability management from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. 

DeVry University Managing Director - International Ranil Herath said: “We are delighted to partner with an institute of the calibre of AIA. The Master of Business Administration program now available in Sri Lanka blends management theory with real-world applications, emphasising practical skills and concepts businesses demand from management professionals in the current era. Our organisation has a vision in providing a cohesive business education, and this program enables students to develop management expertise and advance their knowledge, skills and careers in areas such as corporate management, directing cross-disciplinary endeavours and integrating functions across the business enterprise.”

True to its innovation mantra, students will be able to follow the program in a virtual class room filled with students from around the world. Assessments are structured in a way that it encourages discussions, assignments which are practical. This global student interaction helps to build networks both locally and internationally. Sessions are also conducted by local panellists, giving a local feeling and practical approach through knowledge sharing sessions. 

Asian International Academy Chairman R. Muralidharan said: “Right from the outset our institute embraces our organizational core values, encapsulating innovation, equality and contemporary. The partnership with DeVry University America further exemplifies our commitment of introducing top notch education qualification which is not merely a qualification, but an experience for each student in real work environments, breaking the traditional norms and methodologies of education available in the country. This is a significant move by an education institute, which not only offers a theoretical qualification, but also an institute which takes pride in enabling the future all-rounded employee who is career ready, equipped with an academic qualification, and application of it in the present context in any given industry.”

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Board of Commissioners has granted accreditation to DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. ACBSP is one of three major accrediting agencies for business schools and is a leading specialised accrediting agency for business education. This recognition certifies that established programs offered through DeVry University’s College of Business & Management meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.

Asian International Academy Managing Director Shanil Jayasekera said: “When you choose DeVry University to pursue your advanced education, you will earn a graduate degree from an accredited, nationally respected university recognised by leading employers across a wide range of industries.” He added: “Your entire educational experience during this MBA program is designed to teach you practical, directly applicable career skills. In addition, a culminating capstone project allows each student the unique opportunity to draw upon knowledge gained throughout the program and demonstrate skills in the context of current business environments.”

Currently DeVry University has 40,000 students and has produced over 250,000 graduates with strong leadership skills that help them stand out in an evolving marketplace. Part of this success stems from Keller’s Academic Quality Assurance that helps ensure curricula and course offerings in all areas are regularly reviewed for critical competencies.

DeVry University, including Keller Graduate School of Management – part of the University’s College of Business & Management – is one of North America’s providers of career-oriented higher education. The University’s extensive resources help prepare undergraduate and master’s-level students for careers at the very core of today’s business and technology sectors.