The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at the Faculty of Management and Finance, launched in 2019, stands as a premier doctoral offering aimed at developing practitioner-researchers capable of transforming business practices through research-driven innovation.
It is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between advanced academic inquiry and real-world managerial challenges. From its inception, the programme has focused on producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also equipped with the practical insights and leadership acumen needed to navigate today’s complex business environment.
The DBA has successfully attracted a distinguished cohort of professionals from both the public and private sectors of Sri Lanka. These individuals bring extensive industry experience and notable academic qualifications, creating a rich and diverse learning environment. The programme has become a destination for senior managers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and policymakers who seek to advance their careers while contributing to the broader field of business knowledge.
What truly distinguishes the Colombo DBA is its commitment to academic excellence, intellectual rigour, and relevance to practice. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to balance scholarly theory with practical application, ensuring that research is both methodologically sound and contextually meaningful. The programme is structured over three academic years (six semesters), with each year divided into two semesters of 26 weeks. This format allows participants to immerse themselves in a comprehensive journey of learning, reflection, and discovery.
The coursework phase covers a wide array of advanced management topics and research methodologies. These are delivered by highly qualified faculty members with significant academic credentials and international exposure. Assessments are based on continuous evaluation and final examinations, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive academic experience.
Beyond the classroom, the programme nurtures research capability through a series of doctoral seminars, workshops, and progress review sessions. Candidates benefit from personalized guidance provided by a panel of seasoned research supervisors who possess international recognition and experience across a range of disciplines. This mentorship ensures that each student’s research project is aligned with global standards and contributes meaningfully to both academia and industry.
The cornerstone of the DBA programme is the doctoral thesis. Students undertake a practice-oriented research project that addresses a significant business issue, thereby generating actionable knowledge. The final thesis demonstrates not only mastery of scholarly research but also the ability to translate findings into strategies and insights that can influence decision-making, policy, and operations in real-world organizations.
A further testament to the programme’s success is the establishment of the DBA Colombo Alumni Association, inaugurated on 30th January 2025. This milestone event brought together a vibrant community of alumni, current candidates, academics, and industry leaders. Senior Professor H. D. Karunaratne, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo was the Chief Guest at the event.
Inaugural Alumni President, Dr. Lasantha Wickremesooriya unveiled the strategy of the association, where the strategic intent was to pursue “promoting and leading the future of industry focused research debates and dialogues by bringing together multiple stakeholders”. Professor Nihal Hennayake, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Finance, Professor B. Nishantha, Coordinator of the Postgraduate and Mid-Career Development Unit, Professor Tharusha Gooneratne, former DBA Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director at Hayleys Advantis Limited and Advisor to the DBA Colombo Alumni Association also addressed the gathering.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Anusha Liyanage, Secretary of the Alumni Association. The association serves as a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and lifelong learning, reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on practical impact and professional engagement.
The inception and development of the DBA programme were made possible through visionary leadership. It was initiated under the deanship of Professor Pradeep Dharmadasa. The first coordinator, Senior Professor (Chair) H. D. Karunarathne, played a crucial role in laying the academic foundations from July 2019 to February 2021.
The baton was then passed to Professor (Chair) Tharusha Goonarathne, who led the programme from 2021 to 2025 under her exemplary guidance and dedication. The programme is coordinated by Professor Maduka Udunuwara, whose leadership continues to uphold its tradition of excellence and innovation.
Now in its seventh year, the programme continues to thrive and expand. The seventh consecutive intake is currently being advertised, and applications are now open. Prospective candidates can conveniently submit their applications online (https://mgmt.cmb.ac.lk/pgmcdu/dba-programme/)
