University of Kelaniya holds AGM of first-ever DBA Alumni in Sri Lanka

From left: Outgoing President Dr. Nuwan Wimalana addressing the gathering, while Professor C. Pathirawasam, Dr. Narada Fernando, Senior Professor Kapila Senevirathne, Dr. Dinesh Hamangoda, Dr. Tharaka Punchibandara and Dr. Ranjan Dissababdara look on

The first AGM of DBAAKU (Doctor of Business Administration Alumni of Kelaniya University) was held recently at the Waters’ Edge with the participation of university dignitaries, fellow members and the associate members of the alumni. 

The AGM was graced by the university staff including Faculty of Graduate Studies Dean Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies Dean Dr. Narada Fernando, DBA Program Coordinator Professor C. Pathirawasam, heads of the departments, and the senior lecturers who serve as the Advisory Committee members of the Alumni.

The outgoing President of the inaugural year of 2021/22, Dr. Nuwan Wimalana, Business Consultant, Corporate Director and visiting lecturer handed over the Presidency of the year 2022/23 to the VP of the last year, Dr. Dinesh Hamangoda, General Manager – Sales, Hemas Consumer. Accordingly, Dr. Tharaka Punchibandara, Head of Commercial Operations, SAARC Region, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, handed over his responsibility to Dr. Chandi Wijayasinghe, Director Planning and Monitoring, Central Environment Authority who was appointed as the Secretary. And Dr. Ranjan Dissabandara, Managing Director, Finex Engineering Ltd. transferred his responsibilities to Dr. Damith Gangodawilage, MD/CEO of Taxperts who took over the responsibility of the Treasurer for the year 2022/23. 

According to the constitution, an Executive Committee was established including seven staff members of the university at advisory level and 12 fellow members as the office bearers. 

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.

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 recognised 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.

DBAAKU worked last year to establish itself as the first and foremost DBA Alumni among the business fraternity in Sri Lanka while facing many challenges due to the unexpected obstacles. It has conducted many activities to help the undergraduates of the Kelaniya University working as a knowledge hub with various educational disciplines to provide expert advice. In the coming year, in addition to those ongoing activities, DBAAKU plans to strengthen its’ link among university administration, learning partners, and former graduates whilst acting as ambassadors for the University of Kelaniya to recruit potential candidates.