From left: Professor C. Pathirawasam, Dr. Narada Fernando, Senior Professor Kapila Senevirathne, Dr. Nuwan Wimalana, Dr. Dinesh Hamangoda, Dr. Tharaka Punchibandara and Dr. Ranjan Dissabandara

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

The AGM was graced by the university staff including Graduate Studies Faculty Dean Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Commerce and Management Studies Faculty Dean Dr. Narada Fernando, DBA Programme Coordinator Professor C. Pathirawasam, heads of the departments and senior lectures, 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 VP of 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 Secretary. Dr. Ranjan Dissabandara, Managing Director, Finex Engineering (Pvt.) Limited, transferred his responsibilities to Dr. Damith Gangodawilage, MD/CEO of Taxperts, who took over the responsibility of Treasurer for the year 2022/23.

 As per its constitution, an Executive Committee has been 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.  Its programme and its candidates pivot on making a seminal contribution to their chosen profession and industry.