Yajith heads Alumni of Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration/Public Administration

Yajith De Silva

The 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration/Public Administration (CEMBA/CEMPA) Alumni Association, Faculty of Management Studies of the Open University of Sri Lanka, was successfully convened at Hotel Solis in Pitakotte.

The event brought together alumni members to review the past year’s activities, discuss ongoing projects, and plan for future initiatives.

The event was inaugurated with a welcome speech by the alumni president, Yajith De Silva, emphasising the importance of strengthening alumni networks and collaboration.

The Secretary, Patrick Victor, presented the annual report, highlighting achievements, member engagement, and financial statements.

Pro tem Chairman Prof. Nalin Abeysekera, whilst congratulating the outgoing executive committee proposed the name of veteran planter and Palm Oil Industry Association Chief Operating Officer Yajith De Silva for another term as the president of CEMBA/CEMPA Alumina.

Higher Education Commonwealth of Learning Advisor Dr. Jaco Oliver in a message expressing his gratitude to the Alumni conveyed that, “The Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration stand as flagship expressions of that mission. Developed with four Asian open universities in 2002 and now delivered by 12 institutions worldwide, CEMBA/CEMPA empowers busy professionals to grow their leadership while remaining rooted in their workplaces and communities. The programs ensure global credibility, yet their flexible design – study anytime, anywhere, at an affordable cost – keeps them deeply responsive to local needs. 

“Your achievements prove the model works. Alumni from Colombo to the Caribbean are modernising public services, steering corporations toward greener growth and launching social enterprises that lift entire communities. In Sri Lanka alone, graduates are strengthening supply chains, driving digital transformation, and championing inclusive governance. You are a living testimony that lifelong learning fuels sustainable development.

“Looking ahead, COL remains committed to amplifying this success. We stand ready to co-design new digital courses, expand micro-credential pathways and seed research on emerging leadership challenges – from climate resilience to artificial intelligence. To every alumnus gathered here: thank you for demonstrating the power of learning without limits. May the meeting’s deliberations renew our shared resolve to lead with integrity, learn continuously, and collaborate for the common good of all Commonwealth citizens.”

Chief Guest, Open University of Sri Lanka Vice Chancellor Senior Professor P. M. C. Thilakarathna expressed his appreciation to the executive committee of the Alumni for the activities carried out under the year under review and said that he is confident that under the leadership of the President Yajith De Silva the Alumni will go from strength to strength at the seventh Annual General Meeting and Fellowship of the CEMBA/CEMPA Alumni Association of the Open University of Sri Lanka, held at the Solis Hotel in Pitakotte.

Keynote speaker Ministry of Digital Economy Advisor Dr. Manodha Gamage delivered a compelling address on the critical need for a “Digital Sri Lanka.” Dr. Gamage, outlined a comprehensive vision for national transformation through digitalisation, emphasising its potential to drive economic growth, ensure social equity, and enhance governance.

Dr. Manodha Gamage began his speech by questioning why digitisation is paramount for Sri Lanka’s future. He explained that it is a powerful engine for economic growth and competitiveness by boosting productivity and GDP, fostering innovation, and attracting investment through new business concepts. Furthermore, he highlighted its role in promoting inclusion and equity by bridging divides across genders, disabilities, cultures, and wealth. The goal, he noted, is a more “comfortable and happy life” for all citizens through efficient, user-friendly, and transparent public services, alongside better tax collection.

Presenting a “Digital Economy Blueprint for Sri Lanka,” Dr. Gamage detailed a multi-layered framework for this transformation. The foundation of this blueprint is robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed broadband like 5G and FTTx, and the Lanka Government Cloud. Upon this rests a “Digital Public Infrastructure” featuring a unique digital identity for all citizens, secure authentication, and a national data exchange.

This infrastructure will support a wide array of government and industry applications, from digitising key public services like immigration, inland revenue, and transportation to transforming sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and tourism through Industry 4.0 technologies. The aim is to create a society that is “Cashless, Presence-less, Paperless, Transparent, Efficient.”

However, Dr. Gamage cautioned that the journey extends “Beyond Tech.” He stressed the importance of overcoming challenges related to mindset and culture, the simplification of processes, and enhancing the service experience. Success, he argued, requires a “Whole of Economy Change Management” approach, underpinned by strong governance, trust, clear standards, and supportive legal and institutional frameworks.

Chief Guest, Open University of Sri Lanka Vice Chancellor Senior Professor P.M.C. Tillakaratne, praised Dr. Gamage’s insightful and timely speech. “Dr. Gamage has presented not just a technological roadmap, but a holistic vision for a prosperous and equitable Sri Lanka. His emphasis on the human and institutional dimensions of digital transformation is particularly resonant and provides a clear call to action for all of us.”

Whilst congratulating newly appointed President Yajith De Silva and the executive committee of the CEMBA/CEMPA alumni, the Vice Chancellor added, “The insights shared today are directly relevant to you, the leaders and managers in our society. The Open University of Sri Lanka has always been at the forefront of providing accessible and quality education, and we must now champion this digital frontier. I urge you, the distinguished members of our alumni, to embrace these positive initiatives. Your collective efforts in driving digital adoption within your organisations and communities will not only contribute to the national vision but will also significantly enhance the image and impact of the Open University of Sri Lanka. Let us work together to build a digitally empowered nation.”

Faculty of Management Studies Dean S.A.D. Senanayake and Department of Accounting and Finance Head Asanka Seneviratne, also shared their appreciation to the Alumni for many activities carried out for the benefit not only for the members of the Alumni but also for the benefits of others as well.