Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) has partnered with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) to launch Sri Lanka’s first British Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, marking a significant development in the country’s higher education sector.
Designed for senior professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and public sector executives, the DBA combines advanced academic research with practical business application. The programme aims to equip experienced professionals with the knowledge and research capabilities needed to address complex organisational challenges, drive transformation and contribute to policy development.
Under the partnership, UWS will award the doctoral qualification, while ICBS will deliver the programme in Sri Lanka. This arrangement will enable local professionals to pursue an internationally recognised doctoral qualification while accessing internationally benchmarked academic standards without having to leave the country.
Speaking at the launch, Pravinth Rajaratnam, Director – Academic at ICBS, said the new programme represents the institution’s commitment to developing research-driven leaders capable of creating meaningful impact across businesses, industries and society.
“The launch of Sri Lanka’s first British DBA programme emphasises providing world-class doctoral education that develops research-driven leaders capable of creating meaningful impact for businesses, industries and society. The partnership between ICBS and UWS aims to expand access to internationally recognised higher education and build a pipeline of research-driven business leaders in Sri Lanka.”
Assistant Dean of ICBS, Dr. Royston Cumine, highlighted the changing role of technology and artificial intelligence in modern business leadership.
“The future will be led by those who understand business, people and technology and can connect all three together responsibly. AI is no longer simply a technology topic but a leadership, strategy, people, marketing, finance and governance topic.”
He added that the programme is intended to go beyond delivering an academic qualification by creating an ecosystem that supports organisational transformation.
Dr. Cumine also highlighted the growing importance of AI-enabled financial intelligence in modern organisations, particularly in areas such as AI-supported forecasting, predictive analytics, enterprise risk management, cyber and operational risk, and board-level governance.
Established in 1985, Imperial College of Business Studies has built its academic offering through partnerships with international higher education institutions. The college focuses on developing critical thinking, practical expertise and ethical leadership, with the new DBA programme further expanding its portfolio of internationally aligned business education in Sri Lanka.
CDB Powers Ceylon Automobile Importers Association’s First-Ever Motor Rally in Sri Lanka
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has partnered with the Ceylon Automobile Importers Association of Sri Lanka as the Title Partner of the Ceylon Automobile Importers’ Motor Rally 2026, supporting the country’s first-ever motor rally organised by the Association.
The landmark event is scheduled to take place on 16 August 2026, starting at Port City Colombo and concluding at Water’s Edge. The rally is expected to bring together more than 200 branded vehicles, including supercars, luxury automobiles and premium models represented by leading vehicle importers registered with the Association.
The convoy will travel through several key routes across Colombo, including Duplication Road, Moratuwa, Boralesgamuwa, Kohuwala and Rajagiriya, passing major automobile sales hubs before reaching the event’s final destination.
Commenting on the partnership, Sasindra Munasinghe, Executive Director – Sales and Business Development at CDB, said:
“CDB partners with the Ceylon Automobile Importers Association in powering this historic rally. Together with the Association, we are at the forefront of driving vehicle ownership and increasing access to mobility across Sri Lanka. As a progressive financial solutions provider, we remain committed to supporting the growth of the automobile industry while enabling greater access to mobility through innovative financial products. This rally is not just a celebration of automobiles, but a testament to the industry’s evolution, resilience, and future potential.”
President of the Ceylon Automobile Importers Association, Prasad Manage, said the rally represents a new chapter for Sri Lanka’s automotive sector.
“The Ceylon Automotive Importers Motor Rally powered by CDB marks a new chapter for Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape. With the support of CDB and our other partners, we are able to bring together leading brands and enthusiasts in a dynamic showcase that highlights luxury, performance and innovation. This partnership strengthens our mission to elevate the industry and create engaging experiences for the public.”
The rally is expected to provide an opportunity for automotive brands, industry stakeholders and enthusiasts to come together while showcasing the diversity and evolution of Sri Lanka’s vehicle market.
CDB’s partnership further reflects its commitment to supporting the automotive sector and expanding access to financial solutions that facilitate vehicle ownership and mobility across the country.
Imperial College of Business Studies Partners with UWS to Launch Sri Lanka’s First British DBA Programme
