Colombo Business Economic Summit 2025

An inter-university competition called the Policy Pitching Contest gives undergraduate students a forum to explore and propose policy recommendations for pressing economic issues facing our nation. These proposals can support research, critical thinking, and effective communication. Additionally, it gives students a stage on which to examine economic problems, develop workable strategies, and effectively communicate their ideas. Participants in the “Policy Pitching Contest” should draft policy papers that clearly, creatively, and practically address a particular economic issue (as it relates to Sri Lanka). A precise problem statement should be included in the proposal. Write ideas clearly and succinctly, emphasizing the policy’s potential for large-scale, impactful change emphasize the proposal’s viability, provide attainable implementation strategies, and project the expected results. On the day of the Colombo Business and Economic Summit in 2025, the competition will take place.

General guidelines

• Policy Pitching Contest is open for all undergraduates of any state, private, or foreign universities.

• Undergraduates should apply as individuals and the prepared policy paper must be forwarded to besa.fmf@gmail.com on or before 11.59 PM of 18^th of March 2025

(Note; The subject of the email should be kept as ‘Policy Paper Submission: Colombo Business Economic Summit -2025’ (Author 1 must be the undergraduate candidate. If there are supervisors you could mention a maximum of two supervisors as author 2 and author 3).

• First of all candidates have to send a policy paper which is given answer to a burning economic problem in Sri Lanka by introducing economic policy. After that contestants have to prepare a PowerPoint presentation (10 minutes) and submit it to the deadline and present it on the summit day. Five (05) minutes time will be allocated for Q & A session for each presenter. All guidelines of the presentation submission will be notified later. 
• Finally judge panel members will select the best three policy papers from 10 minute oral power-point presentations done by candidates to pitch their policy ideas.
• The decision of the judge panel members will be the final and will not be subjected to any change.

Template and Guidelines for Policy Papers

• Please check the Template and Guidelines for policy paper preparation here (.pdf).

Timeline

• Opening for article submission        –         16^th February 2025
• Closing for article submission          –         18^th March 2025
• PowerPoint presentation submission-         28^th March 2025
• Summit day                                        –         04^th April 2025

Registration Details

• Undergraduates students (Registered in any state, Private and foreign) – Free of charge

Contact details

• Lecturer In-charge- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)

                        Mr.Pasan Wijayawardhana – 071-7229255

• Policy Pitching Contest Coordinator:

                        Ms.Suwini – 076 9317217

The inter-university quiz competition aims to engage undergraduates in enhancing their knowledge of economics through general and academic questions. It will consist of two rounds, featuring competitive short questions across Business Economics, Management, and General Economics. All rounds will take place on the summit day.

Registration Details and Team Composition

• Open for current undergraduates of all the state universities and the private universities in Sri Lanka
• Team should be consisting of 4 members.

Rewards for the Participants and Winners of the Quiz Competition

• All participants will receive a valuable certificate which is certified by the University of Colombo.
• Cash prizes for winners are as follows;
  •       First place – Rs. 25,000
  •       Second place- Rs.20,000
  •       Third place- Rs. 15,000

Round Information

The quiz competition consists of three rounds.

1. First Round

Date – summit day

Time – 10 a.m. onwards

Venue – Hall no: 401 West-wing Building, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.

Rules and Regulations for the first round

• All registered teams have to answer 30 MCQs which will be displayed on the digital screen.
• Answers should be marked in the answer sheet which will be given to each team.
• Teams will get 30 seconds for each question and within that 30 seconds they can discuss the answer with their team members and mark the answer.
• Using mobile phones and other devices are prohibited within the quiz.
• All members of the team should participate in the competition.
• Subject areas that will be tested – Business Economics and Management
• 10 teams who will score the highest marks will be selected for the second round.

1. Second Round

Date – summit day

Time – Will inform to selected candidates

Venue – Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.

Rules and Regulations for the second round

• The selected 10 teams will be given 10 questions each for which they have to provide short answers.
• Answers should be written in the answer sheet which will be given to each team.
• Teams will get 30 minutes to answer all 10 questions and they can discuss the answers with the team members and write the answers within the time limit.
• Using mobile phones and other devices are prohibited within the quiz.
• All team members should participate in the competition.
• Subject area that will be tested – Business Economics
• Five (05) teams who will score the highest marks will be selected for the final round.

• Third (Final) Round

Date – Summit day

Time – Will inform to selected candidates

Venue – Computer lab, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.

Rules and Regulations for the third round

• Final round will be conducted through the online platform “Kahoot”.
• The use of mobile phones is prohibited throughout Kahoot.
• All team members of the top 5 teams should participate in the competition and only one member of each team can give the answers through Kahoot.
• Subject areas that will be tested – Business Economics and Management
• At the end of Kahoot 2nd runner-up, 1st runner-up and the winner will be displayed on the digital screen.

Timeline:

Opening date for registrations of the quiz competition – 25^th January

Closing date for registrations of the quiz competition – 15^th february

Contact details

• Lecturer In-charge- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)

                         Mr.Pasan Wijayawardhana- – 071-7229255

• Quiz Competition Coordinator:

                          Ms.Nethuni  – 074 1976509

The “Emerging Young Economist (EYE)” Contest assesses the nation’s future business economists’ level of expertise. This is an economic interpretation competition using visual slides, along with a live, open interview with a panel of leading economists and scholars from the University of Colombo. The competitors’ will face an oral examination which assess their critical thinking, communication skills, and subject knowledge of the “Economics and Management” stream. This competition will take place on the day of the 2025 Colombo Business Economic Summit.

Structure of the Contest

In this contest, participants will receive a visual slide (a picture) and economically interpret it in front of the audience including the judge panel within 3-4 minutes. Participant will receive 2 minutes for preparation after the visual side is displayed. Participants have to analyze the containing underlying economic messages and articulate insights within that allocated preparation time. Panel members will ask questions after the oral presentation from the participant based on the presentation. Participation in this competition is individual-based.

The participant with maximum score is declared the ‘Emerging Young Economist’ of Colombo Business Economic Summit-2025. Winner, first and second runners-up will be rewarded at the awarding ceremony and all the participants will receive participation certificate.

The decisions made by the panel members during the competition will be considered final and are not subject to change.

Note: If the number of registrations exceeds the expected participant count, an initial round will be conducted (on the same summit day) to shortlist the participants for final round. The nature of that initial round will be communicated  

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Clear, in-depth, and nuanced understanding of the Economics and Management implications within the visual slides.
2. Application of both theoretical and practical Economics knowledge.
3. Sound communication (oral) skills.
4. Adaptability for on-the-spot responses.

Registration Details:

– The competition is open to undergraduate students from any state, private, or foreign university.

– Registration is free of charge for all eligible participants.

(Tentative)

Date –  Summit day

Time – 9.00 AM onwards

Venue – West-wing Building, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.

Contact details

• Lecturer In-charge- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)

                         Mr.Pasan Wijayawardhana- – 071-7229255

• Quiz Competition Coordinator:

                          Ms.Dinithi  – 077 0571806

Welcome the esteemed members of the executive committee of BESA led by President Naveen Ilangarathne. The board was appointed by an election process with the participation of the students of the department on the June 2024. These great leaders and their invaluable contributions will steer our association toward new heights.

Introducing the Editorial Committee at BESA: Say hello to the wordsmiths and content creators of BESA! Under the guidance of Nethuni Gihindula, our Editorial Committee is a team of five talented individuals who craft compelling narratives, articles, and publications that reflect the heart of the Economics Department. Their words inspire, inform, and engage our community, making BESA’s voice resonate with clarity and impact.

Introducing the PR & Digital Media Committee of BESA: Led by the talented Rashmi Sasangika and powered by a team of five enthusiastic members, they’re your go-to source for all things PR-tastic. From crafting captivating social media campaigns to orchestrating unforgettable events, they keep us connected, informed, and inspired. They’re here to make waves, one post at a time – one that’s as colorful as their creativity!

Introducing the Operation Committee at BESA: Meet the driving force behind seamless event execution and resource management at BESA! Led by the dynamic Natasha Fernando, our Logistics Committee comprises five dedicated members who work tirelessly to ensure every event, seminar, and workshop runs like clockwork. From coordinating venues to managing supplies, they’re the unsung heroes of BESA’s smooth operations.

Meth Hettihewa being at the helm of this endeavour as the visionary leaders, our mission is to empower university scholars and students by providing resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities. With a passion for cutting-edge knowledge and a commitment to excellence, we strive to propel the frontiers of research into new and exciting realms.

Join us on this exciting journey of discovery and exploration!

The Finance Committee of the Business Economics Students Association is dedicated to ensuring sound financial management and transparency in all activities. Under the leadership of Kalindu Mihiranga, the committee takes charge of budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning to support the smooth functioning of the association. With a focus on accountability, the committee plays a vital role in maintaining financial stability and fostering the success of various initiatives and projects undertaken by the association

Lecturer In-charge- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)

Mr.Pasan Wijayawardhana- – 071-7229255

President- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)

Mr. Naveen Ilangarathne– 070-5817868

Secretary- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)

Ms. Chamodya Hansani – 070-3635398/0703523251

Organized by

Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)

Department of Business Economics,

Faculty of Management and Finance

University of Colombo.

Email: office@dbe.cmb.ac.lk