MBA Kelaniya welcomes 19th batch with revised curriculum

University of Kelaniya’s MBA program is enrolling its 19th batch. Launched in 2005, MBA Kelaniya has continually evolved to meet the changing demands of both local and global business environments.

University of Kelaniya Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies Academic Coordinator – Master of Business Administration Program Prof. Madurika Nanayakkara said: “The newly revised curriculum, effective from the 2025/2026 academic year, marks a significant milestone in this journey. Built on nearly two decades of academic excellence and industry collaboration, the program is designed to transform professionals into strategic thinkers, innovative leaders, and impactful business practitioners.”

“Founded on the principle of developing leaders who are academically grounded and practically equipped to navigate complex business challenges, MBA Kelaniya has, over the past two decades, produced a strong alumni network of senior managers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders across a variety of industries in Sri Lanka and abroad,” Prof. Nanayakkara added.

It was the first Sri Lankan MBA program to obtain ISO 21001:2018 certification and is a proud member of the AACSB Business Education Alliance. These credentials affirm the program’s commitment to global academic standards while maintaining a distinctive national identity.

“The revised curriculum is the result of extensive consultation with industry leaders, alumni, and academic experts. It addresses the skills and capabilities demanded in today’s fast-changing business landscape, where automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and global market shifts continuously redefine leadership and strategic decision-making,” Prof. Nanayakkara said.

The new curriculum is a 360-degree Executive Education Model that systematically develops four key dimensions of leadership. The “Insights” dimension helps students build a deep understanding of markets, industries, and organisational dynamics. “Impact” focuses on developing the ability to use data-driven decision-making and strategic thinking to achieve tangible organisational outcomes. “Ideate” nurtures creativity and innovation, enabling students to tackle complex business problems with fresh perspectives. Finally, “Influence” strengthens leadership capabilities, communication skills, and the ability to manage change effectively.

The MBA is structured in two levels. The first, “Business Leaders,” builds core competencies in areas such as business strategy, marketing, finance, operations, leadership, and essential life skills. This stage concludes with the Capstone Project – a Business Report in which students identify a real-world business issue and develop a strategic, evidence-based solution.

The second level, “Business Innovators,” elevates students into thought leaders through advanced courses in international business, data analytics, strategic risk management, and business innovation. This stage culminates in a Dissertation – a Business Research project, where students contribute original insights and practical solutions to pressing industry challenges.

MBA Kelaniya focuses on experiential learning. Students participate in an International Industry Tour, gaining first-hand exposure to global markets, business practices, and cross-cultural management. Complementing this is a series of leadership and problem-solving workshops, which help participants develop resilience, creativity, and the confidence to lead in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments.

The program follows a weekend-based, flexible learning schedule, with classes held six days a month. In addition, the MBA offers an affordable and transparent fee structure, payable in four instalments.

“With two decades of proven academic excellence, internationally recognised ISO and AACSB credentials, and a curriculum aligned with global standards, MBA Kelaniya offers a unique combination of academic rigor and practical relevance. Students benefit from the integration of real-world projects such as Capstone Business Reports and Dissertations, international industry exposure, and leadership workshops. They are guided by a highly experienced faculty drawn from both academia and industry, and supported by a strong alumni network and robust industry partnerships,” Prof. Nanayakkara noted.