No of Diploma Holders
200+
Annual Intake
100+
Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (HDESBM)
The Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (HDESBM) is a prestigious one-year program offered by the Department of Management and Organization Studies, Faculty of Management and Finance at the University of Colombo. Since its inception in 2016, the HDESBM has supported aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals for several years, marking its 8th consecutive year of empowering individuals to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey.
This comprehensive program is meticulously designed to provide students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of business management. The curriculum is structured into two semesters and covers twelve subjects and a Self-study Independent Report, where students are expected to apply their acquired theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios that address critical aspects of entrepreneurship and small business management.
The HDESBM is more than just a diploma. It is a transformative experience that prepares students to excel as entrepreneurs and business leaders, contributing meaningfully to the dynamic field of business management. Whether you aspire to start your own venture or elevate your existing business, this program offers the knowledge, skills, and network to help you achieve your goals.
Join the HDESBM program and embark on your journey to entrepreneurial success with the University of Colombo!
Ms. M. Shanika Dilhani Senavirathna
Coordinator-HDESBM Programme
Why Choose the HDESBM Program at the University of Colombo?
- Gain comprehensive knowledge of entrepreneurship and small business management
- Learn from a distinguished faculty with global expertise
- Develop practical skills through field visits, workshops, and hands-on projects
- Join a supportive academic community with a decade-long legacy of success
- Achieve a recognized qualification from the University of Colombo, a premier institution in Sri Lanka
Eligibility and Medium of Instruction
The HDESBM program is open to individuals from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. Eligibility criteria include:
- Category I
A degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo
- Category II
Diploma in Small Business Management (DSBM) offered by the University of Colombo (one year) or any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo
- Category III
Completion of NVQ level 5
- Category IV
Minimum of five years’ experience in managing a business
The medium of instruction is Sinhala, ensuring that the program reaches a broader local audience while maintaining high academic standards.
Assessment and Grading
The program adopts a balanced approach to assessment, combining continuous assessments and end-of-semester examinations. To successfully graduate, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in each subject. High achievers who attain a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or above in their first attempt are eligible for a Distinction Pass, recognizing their outstanding academic performance.
Expert Faculty and Practical Learning
The HDESBM program is delivered by a highly qualified faculty, comprising globally trained academics and industry professionals. Their diverse expertise ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, combining academic rigor with practical relevance.
To enhance hands-on learning, the program incorporates various practical learning opportunities, including:
- Field Visits: Providing real-world exposure to businesses and industries
- Workshops: Fostering skills development in a collaborative environment
- Presentations: Encouraging students to articulate and present their ideas effectively
These practical components ensure that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the business world.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The HDESBM is a two-semester programme which will be completed within a period of one year. The HDESBM curriculum is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights through a series of subjects.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | No of Credits |
| Semester I | HDESBM 501
HDESBM 502 HDESBM 503 HDESBM 504 HDESBM 505 HDESBM 506 |
Creativity and Innovation
Commercial Law and Business Ethics Business Statistics Financial and Management Accounting Managing People in Small Businesses Business Economics |
2
2 2 2 2 2
|
| Semester II | HDESBM 507
HDESBM 508 HDESBM 509 HDESBM 510 HDESBM 511 HDESBM 512 HDESBM 513 |
Managing Quality
Operations Management for Small Businesses Entrepreneurship Development and Case Analysis Business Strategy and Sustainability Contemporary Concepts and Issues in Small Businesses Business Research Methods Self-study independent report |
2
2 2 2 2 2 6
|
| Total | 30 |
A distinctive feature of the program is the development of a Self-study Independent Report, where students apply their acquired theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios. This report serves as a practical demonstration of their learning, allowing students to analyze, evaluate, and propose solutions for business challenges.
TEACHING FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION STUDIES
The greatest strength of the Faculty of Management and Finance and the Department of Management and Organization Studies of the University of Colombo is its Teaching Faculty consisting of well-trained academics. Faculty members have acquired their academic and professional training from well reputed institutes all over the world and thus have brought diverse experiences, tradition and perspectives, which are definite requirements to train the professional managers who very often need to cross the boundaries of cultures, disciplines and experiences in the continuous flux of their organisational lives.
In addition to this core faculty, the department draws well-trained academics from other local universities and foreign universities as well as well-experienced professional managers and entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.
Head of the Department
Professor Sashika R. Abeydeera Manoratne
[PhD (Auckland, New Zealand), MBA (California, USA), BSc (SJP), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), Passed Finalist (CIMA))
Professor
Department: ACADEMIC STAFF MEMBERS
Professor K A S P Kaluarachchi
[PhD (Hosei, Japan), MBA (Col, Sri Lanka), BCom (Special) (Hons.)(SJP, Sri Lanka) CTHE (Col, Sri Lanka)]
Professor
TI: Management Process and Practice, Organizational Behaviour, QualityManagement, Impression Management, Cross Cultural Management, Contemporary Issues in Management
RI: Management Theory and Practices (MTPs)
Professor. Kumudinei Dissanayake
[PhD (Meiji, Japan), MBA (Meiji, Japan), MBA (Colombo, Sri Lanka), BCom (Special) (Colombo, Sri Lanka), Diploma in Counseling (SLFI)]
Professor
TI: Organization Theory, Organizational Behavior, Research Methods
RI: Values in organizations, Sustainability practices and SMEs, Generation Z at Work
Professor. B Nishantha
[PhD (Ryukoku University, Japan), MBA (University of Colombo), B.com (Uni-versity of Colombo, CTHE (University of Colombo)]
Professor
TI: Entrepreneurship, Management Process and Practice, Strategic Management
RI: Entrepreneurship, SMEs, SME growth dynamics
Professor R Senathiraja
[PhD (India), MSc (SJP), BCom (Jaffna), CTHE (Col)]
Professor
TI: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Culture & Management,Creativity and Innovation, Research Methods
RI: Creativity & Innovation, Corporate Entrepreneurship, Micro Finance &Social Entrepreneurship
Professor Sashika R. Abeydeera Manoratne
[PhD (Auckland, New Zealand), MBA (California, USA), BSc (SJP), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), Passed Finalist (CIMA))
Professor
TI: Sustainability and Business, Business Ethics and CSR, Environmental Management, Management Theory and Practice
RI: Sustainability and businesses, spirituality, corporate ethics, teaching and learning sustainability in higher education, internationalization in higher education
Professor Tissa Ravinda Perera
Ph.D. (China), MBA (Colombo), B.Com (Colombo), CTHE (Colombo), FMAAT, LICA]
Professor
TI: Entrepreneurship Development, Small Business Management, Creativity andInnovation, Management Process and Practice, Contemporary Management Issues, Cross Cultural Management, Case Study Development and Analysis
RI: Entrepreneurship Development in Developing Countries, MSME Sector Development in Developing Countries, Management Practices in Different Countries,Contemporary Issues in Management, Creativity and Innovation in the MSMESector
Dr. Seuwandhi B. Ranasinghe
[PhD (Glasgow, UK), MBA (UOC), BBA (UOC), SEDA (UK)
accredited teacher in Higher Education, CTHE (UOC)]
Senior Lecturer
TI: Organization Theory and Design, Personality Development, KnowledgeManagement, Critical Perspectives of Organization Studies
RI: Organization studies, postcolonial studies, feminist studies
Mr. S. Sasidaran
[MEcon (Col), BCom (Col), CTHE (Col)]
Senior Lecturer
TI: Psychology, Sociology, Culture and Organizational Response, Organization Theory, Environmental Management, Organizational Design and Structure, Behaviour.
RI: Cultural Impact on Organizations, Sociological Issues and Their Impacts on Organizations and Organizational Design and Structure
Dr. J. C. Athapaththu
[PhD (QUT-Australia) Msc. (USJP, Sri Lanka), BSc in Computation & Management (Peradeniya, Sri Lanka), PQHRM (IPM, Sri Lanka), CTHE (Col, Sri Lanka), Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA, UK)],
Senior Lecturer
TI: Management Information Systems E-Business Managing Technology in hospitality industry
RI: E-Commerce Social commerce ICT in small business
Ms. K. K. Kapiyangoda
[MBA (Col, Sri Lanka), BBA (Col, Sri Lanka), CTHE (Col, Sri Lanka), Staff and Ed- ucational Development Association (SEDA, UK), Passed Finalist CIMA, Reading for PhD (Col, Sri Lanka)]
Senior Lecturer
TI: Auditing, Taxation, Organization Theory
RI: Organizational culture and management, Entrepreneurship, Family businesses, Management controls
Ms. D.C.L. Digoarachchi
[MBA (PIM, SJP), BBA (Col, Sri Lanka), SEDA (UK) accredited teacher in Higher Education, CTHE (Col, Sri Lanka), Reading for MPhil, (FGS, Col) ]
Lecturer
TI: Personality Development, Sociology & Psychology, Organization Changeand Development
RI: Organization Studies, Organizational Leadership
Ms. T. Kuhendran
[MBA (PIM, SJP), BBA (Col, Sri Lanka), ACCA Affiliate (UK), CTHE
(Col, Sri Lanka), Staff and Educational Development Association(SEDA, UK)]
Senior Lecturer
TI: Organization Theory and Design, Academic Writing, Personality Development
RI: Careers of women, Gender studies
Mr. M.S.J. Fernando
Reading for PhD (Deakin, Australia), MBA (Col, Sri Lanka), BBA (Col, Sri Lanka), PQHRM (CIPM, Sri Lanka), CTHE (Col, Sri Lanka), SEDA (UK)]
Senior Lecturer
TI: Strategic Finance, Crisis Management, Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation
RI: Entrepreneurship, Sustainability
Ms. M S D Senavirathna
BBA (Col, Sri Lanka), Reading for MBA (Col, Sri Lanka), MAAT, ACPM, ICASL (CBA)
Assistant Lecturer
TI: Management Process and Practice, Environmental Management, Contemporary Issues in Management, Creativity and Innovation, Organizational Culture and Management, Team development Personality Development
RI: Organization Studies, Critical Perspectives of Organization Studies, Postcolonial Studies Contemporary Issues in Management and Organization
Mr. W. Udula Subodha Vaas
BBM (Special) Accountancy (Kel, Sri Lanka), Reading for MBA (Col, Sri Lanka), Passed Finalist (CIMA)
Assistant Lecturer
TI: Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Strategic Management, Strategic Finance
RI: Integrated Reporting, Sustainability Development, Financial Analysis, Corporate Governance
Rumesi Wijesiri Gunawardana
BBA (Col, Sri Lanka), ICASL (Corporate Level)
Assistant Lecturer
TI: Auditing, Organization Theory and Design, Management Process & Practice, Environmental Management
RI: Organization Studies, Organizational Performance, Organizational Culture & Management
rumeshigunawardana@gmail.com
NON ACADEMIC STAFF MEMBERS
Ms. L. N. Edirisuriya
Mr. N.M.S.Banduthilaka
Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (HDESBM) – Awarding Ceremony 2021/2022 Batch
The Awarding Ceremony of the Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (HDESBM) 2021/2022, organized by the Department of Management and Organization Studies, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, was successfully held on 31st January 2025 at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo.
Workshop Enhancing Entrepreneurial Success for HDESBM 2024-25 Students
The Department of Management and Organization Studies successfully organized a workshop for the Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (HDESBM) 2024/25 students on December 15, 2024, at the Professor Jayarathna Auditorium.
The event, held in collaboration with DFCC Bank – Thirasara Athwela Entrepreneurship Development Programme, aimed to provide students with practical insights into key aspects of entrepreneurial success. The workshop featured four engaging sessions led by industry experts:
- The Importance of Banking Relationships for Entrepreneurial Success by Mr. Lakshitha Weerasinghe, Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager, DFCC Bank PLC.
- Digitalization and Its Impact on Small-Medium Businesses by Mr. Omar Sahib, Chief Digital Officer, DFCC Bank PLC.
- Internationalization of SMEs: Processes and Support by Mr. Sajitha Jayakody, Assistant Vice President – Trade & International Remittances, DFCC Bank PLC.
- Export Readiness Essentials by Mrs. Malani Baddegamage, Former Acting Director General/Additional Director General, Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
This workshop provided participants with invaluable knowledge and strategies to enhance their entrepreneurial journey, equipping them to navigate the challenges of modern business environments
Residential Entrepreneurship Development Programme for the HDESBM 2022-23 Programme
Residential workshop held at Kiriella Wijaya Resort on May 18 & 19, 2024 for the students of the Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (HDESBM) 2022/2023 programme of the Department of Management and Organization Studies, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.
Inauguration for the HDESBM 2022- 23 Programme
The Inauguration Ceremony of the HDESBM 2022/2023 Batch of Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Programme Conducted by the Department of Management and Organization Studies, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, held on July 09, 2023 at the Faculty Premises.
Curriculum Revision 2023
The curriculum for the Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management programme is being revised to better align with current industry requirements and meet the growing demand for skilled entrepreneurs and business leaders. This update aims to equip students with the latest knowledge, practical skills, and innovative strategies needed to succeed in a dynamic business environment, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges and drive business growth.
Residential Workshop – Outbound Training Programme – HDESBM 2021/22 Programme
An outbound training programme for the Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management (HDESBM 2021/2022) students was successfully held at the Kothmale International Training Institute of Irrigation and Water Management on May 28, 2023. The programme, conducted as part of the residential workshop, aimed to strengthen student bonds and enhance their skills through engaging and interactive activities. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of many students, creating a memorable and impactful experience.
Residential Workshop – Musical Programme -HDESBM 2021-22 Programme
A musical programme for the Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management (HDESBM 2021/2022) students was successfully held on May 27, 2023, at the Kothmale International Training Institute of Irrigation and Water Management. Organized as part of the residential workshop, the event aimed to refresh students’ minds and inspire creativity, helping them connect their learning to future business growth in an engaging and uplifting atmosphere.
Visit to the Vendol Lanka Company (Pvt) Ltd
The Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management (HDESBM 2021/2022) students had an insightful visit to Vendol Lanka Company (Pvt) Ltd on May 27, 2023. Through the factory tour, students gained valuable firsthand experience on the entire production process, from raw materials to the final product, providing them with a deeper understanding of business operations and manufacturing.
HDESBM 2021-22 Trip to Kothmale International Training Institute
The annual trip for the Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management (HDESBM 2021/2022) students was successfully held on May 27 and 28, 2023, at the Kothmale International Training Institute of Irrigation and Water Management. The event provided a refreshing and enriching experience, fostering stronger bonds and valuable learning opportunities for the students.
Applications are not yet open. Please check back soon for updates.