Imperial College of Business Studies celebrates 40th anniversary

Ceremonial anniversary cake cutting

Director of Strategic Initiatives Shanmugam Sivabaskaran, Director of Academics Pravinth Rajaratnam and Director of Strategy and Operations Chinthaka Wijayaratne posing for a group photo

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana 

Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 40th anniversary with its university partners, lecturers, corporate partners and staff at a gala event held in Cinnamon Life recently. 

The college’s history dates back to 1985, where the institution over the years has grown from its beginning as Colombo Business School into one of the country’s leading business schools known for its academic and professional excellence. 

ICBS Director of Strategy and Operations Chinthaka Wijayaratne making the welcome address said with over 50, 000 alumni and strong affiliations with global partners like the University of the West of Scotland, Queen Margaret University and the Scottish Qualifications Authority, the ICBS continues to uphold its promise to help students dream, believe and transform. 

The evening was then followed by a reflection on the college’s 40-year journey by ICBS Director of Academics Pravinth Rajaratnam and Director of Strategic Initiatives Shanmugam Sivabaskaran. 

A ceremonial cake-cutting and the official launch of the 40th Anniversary Logo was then followed by the Service Excellence Awards, which honoured lecturers and staff, who have served at Imperial for over five years, recognising their dedication and loyalty. 

Imperial also took the opportunity to celebrate and formalize its collaborations with 16 key corporate partners, who have supported student employment placements, corporate training initiatives and exclusive programme benefits for employees. 

Among the notable guests representing global institutions who were present included Dr. Pravin Balaraman - BCI-TNE and Mobility Lead, University of the West of Scotland, Dr. Theresa Cronin - Director of International (School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management) of Queen Margaret University, Gillian Hepburn - Head of International, Scottish Qualifications Authority and Tharindu Wijewardana, Country Head - Sri Lanka, AICPA CIMA. 

The Imperial launched the ‘Imperial Institute of Leadership and Strategy’, a new platform dedicated to corporate training and executive education. The revamped Imperial College website was also unveiled, offering an enhanced digital experience for prospective and 

current students.