Young scholar breaks records as world’s youngest DBA

Young scholar’s record-breaking journey inspires a generation

Dr Vashinyaa Premanand

By Mangala Pavithrani

At just 21, Dr Vashinyaa Premanand has carved her place in global academic history as the world’s youngest Doctor of Business Administration graduate. Her rare blend of intellect, discipline and determination, shaped from childhood, has made her not only an achiever but also a powerful role model for aspiring youth.
At just 21, Dr. Vashinyaa Premanand has already etched her name in academic history, becoming the world’s youngest Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate. 
Her achievement, celebrated in both local and international circles, reflects years of grit, talent and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Currently serving as a Research Advisor in Academic and Research Affairs and Lecturer at the Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS), Dr Premanand says she also holds an adjunct lecturing role at First Friends Campus. 
She said she earlier served as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Peradeniya, making her one of the youngest academics to contribute across multiple institutions.
Her journey began far earlier than most.
 Born to Premanand Nadarajah and Luckshy Premanand Shakthivel, both MBA graduates and directors of Remokiya Lubrica (Pvt) Ltd., she displayed remarkable aptitude from the age of two. Fluent in English, Sinhala and Tamil before most children began school.
By eight, she had already passed her O-level examination with top grades and earned a high distinction in the International Computer Driving License. 
At nine, she made headlines by designing the first website for her parents’ company, becoming the youngest web designer in Sri Lanka and the second youngest worldwide.
Her academic milestones kept building. 
She completed her first degree in Information Technology at just eleven, an MBA with distinction at seventeen, and crowned her journey with the historic DBA at twenty-one. 
She says alongside her academic brilliance, she also explored robotics, aviation, music and languages, broadening her profile beyond the classroom.
Not confined to books, Dr. Premanand also pursued flying, completing a pilot course in Malaysia and has obtained a Private Pilot Lincense on a Cessna 172.
Those who know her describe her as a polished blend of intellect and determination, a young scholar with a vision that stretches beyond academia. From early childhood accomplishments to international recognition, her rise has been steady, disciplined and inspiring.
In a country hungry for youthful role models, Dr. Vashinyaa Premanand stands as proof that ambition, nurtured with hard work, can set extraordinary benchmarks.
“Of all my achievements, my PhD in Business Administration was the most intellectually stimulating, mainly because it required discipline and depth,” she says. 
“The subject was not just about excellence and academic research. It also focused on integrating theory with practice, understanding behavioral finance, and contributing original ideas to the field. I read thousands of journal articles to broaden my knowledge and sharpen my critical thinking.
“I also became an expert in advanced statistical software such as SPSS, AMOS, and SmartPLS. This allowed me to analyze data with precision and bring scientific rigor to my research. To me, data is not just numbers. It reflects the story behind decisions. 
“Although many people find this level of work difficult, it felt exhilarating to me because it allowed me to explore complex ideas and transform them into meaningful insights,” she said.
Dr. Vashinyaa says she is grateful to Lincoln University College Malaysia and First Friends Campus for providing her with an inspiring academic environment and world-class mentorship to achieve success in life.
She considers it an honor and a responsibility to become the youngest Business Administration (DBA) graduate in the world at the age of 21, specializing in behavioral finance, being a team top award winner, and graduating with honors and a GPA of 3.79/4.0 from Lincoln University College Malaysia.
“The divine blessings of Lord Ganesha inspired me at every juncture and gave me strength in times of uncertainty,” she says with devotion.
“My parents have been my pillars, my mother Luckshy Premanand Shakthivel, through her unwavering love, patience, care and perseverance, and my father Premanand Nadarajah, through his humor, wisdom and encouragement. 
“The values ​​guide my life through the kindness, humility and dedication of my late grandfather and grandmother, Mr. Shakthivel and Mrs. Chitralekha. 
“Along with my family, my golden retrievers, Arhaan and Shura, have been my greatest companions. Especially my best friend and little brother, Arhaan, has been my pillar of strength, waking me up for lectures, sitting next to me during long nights writing my thesis, and providing unconditional comfort. 
“My second golden retriever, with his quiet warmth, has also shared those moments. Even at academic milestones, their presence reminded me that true success is never complete without love, joy, and friendship. I am also very grateful to my uncle, Dharmon, who celebrated every achievement,” Dr. Vashinyaa says with a heart full of love.
Dr. Vashinyaa Premanand is an example to many youth of today and sends the message that anyone can transcend stereotypes, blend disciplines, and shape their own destiny with grace and courage.