The Department of Business Economics was introduced as a specialization degree with the objective of providing undergraduates with theory and applications of Business Management and Economics. BBA in Business Administration ( Business Economics) is a four-year special degree that prepares the students to develop their skills which will enable them to meet the challenges in the fields of Business Management and Economics and to contribute to social and national development. The Department comprises many intellectuals who are frequently on their stand to help and brighten your future. They specialized in various disciplines in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Technology. The Department has established a network with industry and institutes such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Colombo Stock Exchange, private and public sector organizations to absorb the graduates produced by the department.

Message from the Head of the Department

Professor M.A. Yasantha D Madurapperuma

It is great pleasure to welcome the best scholars of GCE (A/L) Examination in the Commerce stream to the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo. We are the Department of Business Economics who assist you from the beginning of your university life. Business Economics was introduced as an area of specialization in the Business Administration Degree Programme due to the unprecedented demand. Bachelor of Business Administration is a four-year fully-fledged degree programme offered by the Faculty of Management and Finance and students are having the opportunity to select Department of Business Economics in the third year for specialization of Business Economics which is currently one of the pioneering degree programmes of this nature in the university system in Sri Lanka.

The prime objective of the degree programme is to equip students with theory and application of Business Management and Economics. This facilitates the students to develop their skills which will enable them to meet the challenges in the fields of Business Management and Economics and to contribute to social and national development. The Department comprises many intellectuals who are frequently on their stand to help and brighten your future. They specialized in various disciplines in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Technology. 

The Department has established a network with industry and institutes such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Colombo Stock Exchange, private and public sector organizations to absorb the graduates produced by the department. Further it is in the process of improving the industry links to facilitate the graduates to have better opportunities in prospering their career. We continuously organize many activities to improve your soft skills that the prospective employers are always looking for. We wish you to be productive for years ahead of your university life.

Former Heads of the Department

Associate Professor H.M. Nihal Hennayake (2023)

Dr. A.M.C.P. Atapattu (2020 – 2022)

Mr. M. Ramesh Rajasuriya (2016 – 2019)

Mr. W.A.S.P. Weerathunga (2012- 2015)

Chair Professor. H.D. Karunaratne (2010 – 2012, 2015 – 2016)

Senior Professor. H.N. Prabhath Jayasinghe (2007-2010)

Academic Staff

Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne

[PhD & MA (Econ) Nagoya JP, MA (Econ) (Col), BA (Econ) (SJP), Invited Professor, Hosei University, Japan]

Chair Professor

 

Senior Professor HN Prabhath Jayasinghe

[PhD (NUS) (Singapore), MPhil (Sydney), MA (Col), BA (Col), SEDA]

Professor

Mr. W.A.S.P. Weerathunga

[MA in Economics (Col), MSc in Applied Statistics (Col), BSc in Mathematics (Col), CTHE (Col)]

Senior Lecturer

Associate Professor HM Nihal Hennayake

[PhD (Japan), MA (Japan), MCom (Kelaniya), MA (Col), BA (Col), CTHE (Col)]

Associate Professor

Professor M.A. Yasantha D Madurapperuma

[PhD (Republic of Korea), MSc in MIT (Kelaniya), BCom (Col), CTHE (Col)]

Professor

Dr. W.A. Sajitha Dishanka

[PhD (Tokyo), MBA (Col), B.Com (Col), CTHE (Col)]

Senior Lecturer 

Dr. A.M.C.P. Atapattu

[PhD (Kelaniya), MBA (Col), BCom (Col), CTHE (Col)]

Senior Lecturer 

Dr. K Ravinthirakumaran

[PhD (Griffith) (Australia), M.So.Sc (NUS) (Singapore), M.Econ (UOC), BA (Econ) (Jaffna), CTHE (Col)]

Senior Lecturer 

Mr. M Ramesh Rajasuriya

[M.Sc in Industrial Mathematics (SJP), B.Sc in Mathematics (Col), CTHE (Kelaniya)]

Senior Lecturer 

Mr. Rajishtha Y.H. De Alwis Seneviratne

[MPhil (Col), BBA in Business Economics (Col), ACMA, CGMA, CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK)]

Senior Lecturer 

Dr. H.M.S. Amanda N. Herath 
 
[Phd (Yonsei GSIS, Republic of Korea), Master of Global Economy & Strategy (Yonsei GSIS, Republic of Korea), BBA in Business Economics (Colombo), CTHE (Peradeniya)]

Senior Lecturer 

Ms. Nipuni K Abeysiriwardena

[MBA (PIM – SJP), BBA in Business Economics (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK)]

Lecturer

Mr. Pasan M. Wijayawardhana

[M.Phil. in Business Economics (USJ), PGD in Economic Policy (BALPP-SL) (Reading), BSc in Business Economics (USJ), ACMA (CMA-SL), DABF/IABF (IBSL-SL), AAT (SL)

Lecturer

Ms. Gayani Weerasinghe

[Reading for MBA (Col), BBA (Col), IASSL, AAT Passed Finalist)]

Assistant Lecturer

Non Academic Staff

Ms. W. M. P. A. D. Wickramasinghe

Courses for Internal Undergraduates

NEW: Common Courses of the BBA Honours (in Business Economics) Degree Programmes in Semester I, II and III

Credits and Courses Offered in Semesters I, II, and, III of the BBA Degree Programmes
Course Code Course Title Credits Course Status Semester Offered
BEC 1300 Business Mathematics 3 Core I
ACT 1301 Financial Accounting 3 Core I
MOS 1302 Management Process and Practice 3 Core I
MOS 1200 Business Communication and Academic Writing 2 Core I
BEC 1201 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 2 Core I
BEC 1202 Microeconomics 2 Core I
  Total Credits in Semester I 15
BEC 1303 Business Statistics 3 Core II
  BEC 1304 Macroeconomics 3   Core  II
  ACT 1305 Management Accounting 3   Core  II
  HRM 1306 Organizational Behavior 3   Core  II
FIN 1203 Fundamentals of Finance 2 Core II
MOS 1204 Legal Environment 2 Core II
AAU 1000 Second Language1 NC Optional II
  Total Credits in Semester II 16
INB 2307 Elements of International Business 3 Core III
FIN 2308 Financial Management 3 Core III
HRM 2309 Human Resource Management 3 Core III
MKT 2310 Marketing Management 3 Core III
MKT 2311 Operations Management 3 Core III
AAU 2100 Community Development Project 1 Core III
  Total Credits in Semester III 16
 

Notes: NC = No Credits

 

NEW: Specialisations Courses of the BBA Honours in Business Economics Degree Programmes in Semester IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII

Credits and Courses offered for the BBA Honours in Business Economics
Course Code Course Title Credits Course Status Semester Offered
BEC 2312 Quantitative Techniques for Decisions 3 Core IV
BEC 2205 Management Information Systems 2 Core IV
BEC 2315 Advanced Economics Theory 3 Specialization Core IV
BEC 2316 International Trade Theory and Practice 3 Specialization Core IV
BEC 2207 Advanced Statistics 2 Specialization Core IV
BEC 2208 Auditing and Taxation 2 Specialization Core IV
   Total credits in Semester IV  15  
BEC 3313 Research Methods 3 Core V
BEC 3317 Econometrics 3 Specialization Core V
BEC 3318 International Finance 3 Specialization Core V
BEC 3319 Managerial Economics 3 Specialization Core V
BEC 3209 Labour Economics 2 Specialization Core V
BEC 3210 Behavioral Economics 2 Specialization Optional V
BEC 3211 Economics of Organizations 2 Specialization Optional V
BEC 3212 Economics of Tourism 2 Specialization Optional V
   Total credits required in Semester V     16
BEC 3314 Strategic Management 3 Core VI
BEC 3206 Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation 2 Core VI
BEC 3320 Project Management 3 Specialization Core VI
BEC 3213 Data Analytics 2 Specialization Core VI
BEC 3214 Development Economics 2 Specialization Core VI
BEC 3215 Seminar on Applied Research** 2 Specialization Core VI
BEC 3216 Seminar on Research** 2 Specialization Core VI
BEC 3217 Financial Econometrics 2 Specialization Optional VI
BEC 3218 Qualitative Data Analysis 2 Specialization Optional VI
BEC 3219 Statistical Software for quantitative Data analysis 2 Specialization Optional VI 
  Total credits required in Semester VI 16
Course Code Course Title Credits Course Status Semester Offered
BEC 4800 Dissertation* 8 Specialization Core VII
BEC 4600 Applied Research* 6 Specialization Core VII
BEC 4321 Industrial Economics 3 Specialization Core VII
BEC 4322 Financial Economics 3 Specialization Core VII
BEC 4220 Economics of Entrepreneurship and SMEs 2 Specialization Optional VII
BEC 4221 Environmental Economics 2 Specialization Optional VII
BEC 4222 Microfinance 2 Specialization Optional VII
BEC 4223 Public Sector Economics 2 Specialization Optional VII
  Total credits required in Semester VII    16 
BEC 4400 Industrial Training 4 Specialization Core VIII
BEC 4323 Global Economic Trends 3 Specialization Core VIII
BEC 4324 Sri Lankan Economy 3 Specialization Core VIII
  Total credits in Semester VIII    10
Notes:

* Students shall select either BEC 4800 – Dissertation or BEC 4600 – Applied Research.

** Students who opt for the Dissertation option shall select BEC 3216 – Seminar on Research and students who opt for Applied Research shall select BEC 3215 – Seminar on Applied Research.

 

OLD: Specialisations Courses of the BBA Honours in Business Economics Degree Programmes in Semester V, VI, VII, and VIII

Course Code Course Title Credits Course Status Semester Offered
BEC-3312 Research Methods 3 Core        v
BEC-3228 Management Information Systems 2 Core V
BEC-3313 Econometrics 3 Specialisation core V
BEC-3229 Managerial Economics 2 Specialisation core V
BEC-3314 International Trade 3 Specialisation core V
BEC-3230 Auditing and Taxation 2 Specialisation optional V
BEC-3231 Environmental Economics 2 Specialisation optional V
BEC-3232 Business Ethics and Corporate Governance 2 Specialisation optional V
BEC-3315 Strategic Management 3 Core VI
BEC-3207 Enterprise Based Project 2 Core VI
BEC-3316 International Finance 3 Specialisation core VI
BEC-3317 Industrial Economics 3 Specialisation core VI
BEC-3208 Seminar on Applied Research 2 Specialisation core* VI
BEC-3209 Seminar on Research 2 Specialisation core* VI
BEC-3233 Economics of Tourism 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-3234 Financial Econometrics 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-3235 Labour Law 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-3236 Microfinance 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-3237 Project Evaluation 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-3238 e-Business 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-3239 Financial Reporting and Analysis 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-3240 Supply Chain Management 2 Specialisation optional VI
BEC-4241 Development Economics 2 Specialisation core VII
BEC-4242 Contemporary Issues in Business Economics 2 Specialisation core VII
BEC-4800 Dissertation 8 Specialisation core** VII
BEC-4600 Applied Research Project 6 Specialisation core** VII
BEC-4243 Economics of Organisations 2 Specialisation optional VII
BEC-4244 Economics of SMEs 2 Specialisation optional VII
BEC-4245 Financial Economics 2 Specialisation optional VII
BEC-4246 Game Theory for Business Strategy 2 Specialisation optional VII
BEC-4247 Labor Economics 2 Specialisation optional VII
BEC-4248 Risk Management and Insurance 2 Specialisation optional VII
BEC-4249 Business Valuations 2 Specialisation optional VII
BEC-4801 Industrial Training 8 Specialisation core VIII

Courses for External Undergraduates

External: Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Economics and Statistics Degree Program (BBA BES)

Courses Offered in Semesters I, II, III, IV, V and VI

 

Course Code Course Title Credits
  Semester I  
BBES 111 Business Mathematics 3
BBES 112 Microeconomics 3
BBES 113 Business Statistics 3
BBES 114 Management Process and Practice 2
BBES 115 Information Technology for Business 2
BBES 116 Functional English 2
  Total Credits in Semester I 15
     
  Semester II  
BBES 121 Distribution Theory 3
BBES 122 Macroeconomics 3
BBES 123 Basic Finance 2
BBES 124 Advanced Business Mathematics 2
BBES 125 Accounting for Business 3
BBES 126 Organizational Behavior 2
  Total Credits in Semester II 15
     
                           Semester III               
BBES 231 Inferential Statistics 3
BBES 232 Data Science & Visualization 3
BBES 233 Financial Management 3
BBES 234 Human Resources Management 3
BBES 235 Advanced Economics Theory 3
  Total Credits in Semester III 15
     
  Semester IV  
BBES 241 Econometrics 3
BBES 242 International Economics 3
BBES 243 Decision Sciences 3
BBES 244 Marketing Management 3
BBES 245 Business Law 3
  Total Credits in Semester IV 15
     
  Semester V  
BBES 351 Non-Parametric Statistical Methods  2
BBES 352 Big Data Analysis 3
BBES 353 Banking and International Finance 3
BBES 354 Operational Management 3
BBES 355 Business Research Methods 2
BBES 356 Managerial Economics 2
  Total Credit in semester V                                 15
  Semester VI  
BBES 361 Statistical Quality Control 2
BBES 362 Independent Study 2
BBES 363 Sri Lankan and Global Economic Trends 3
BBES 364 Development  Economics 3
BBES 365 Logistics Management 2
BBES 366 Strategic Management 3
  Total Credits in Semester VI                  15

Note: All courses are compulsory

Economic Dialogue Phase 01:

Domestic Debt Restructuring and the future of the Sri Lankan Economy

The newly established Research Hub of Business Economics Students’ Association organised their first event under the topic “Domestic Debt Restructuring and future of the Sri Lankan Economy” on 29th August 2023 at East Wing 3.2 conference hall.

Professor Sirimal Abeyratne was the keynote speaker and he delivered an insightful lecture on the said topic. It was indeed a great honour to have his presence and contribution to the event.

The event was also graced with the presence of Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Prof. (chair) H.D. Karunaratne, the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Finance Prof. M.P.P. Dharmadasa and the Head of the Department of Business Economics Prof. Nihal Hennayake among other distinguished guests.

The main objectives of this event were to increase awareness regarding the current economic situation of the country and provide insights into the potential repercussions and recommendations. The event was successfully concluded with the active participation of a student count exceeding 70, along with the participation of the academic staff as well.

Towards a Resurgent Economy

The annual event organized by the Business Economics Students’ Association of the Faculty of Management and Finance of the University of Colombo was held on the 25th of November, 2022. The theme for the year was ‘Driving towards a Resurgent Economy’. The Chief Guest for this forum was the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, honourable Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe; where he delivered a keynote speech in line with the theme, followed by a question and answer session during which a variety of questions was directed to our keynote speaker by lecturers as well as students and was highly informative to the entire audience. 

With the participation of attendees from diverse fields, the occasion was also graced by the presence of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Prof. (chair) H.D. Karunaratne, the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Finance Prof. M.P.P. Dharmadasa and the Head of the Department of Business Economics Prof. Nihal Hennayake among other distinguished guests. 

During this initiative, the winners of the Econolympia 2022 Quiz Competition were awarded certificates handed over by our keynote speaker Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe along with the presence of our honoured guests, and the event was successfully concluded, achieving our aim of broadening the knowledge of our undergraduates and to provide perspective to bring back the economy to a prosperous state.

Econolympia 2022

Econolympia was a quiz competition organized by the  Business Economics Students’ Association as a part of the event “Driving towards a Resurgent Economy” to enhance economics and general knowledge, skills among the second-year undergraduates at the university of Colombo faculty of management and finance. This competition was an excellent platform for the students to apply their existing knowledge of economics daily and develop their competitive skills.

This was held under two phases; the first phase was on the 16th of November, 2022, at the university faculty premises. 84 students from 21 teams participated in this competition by forming four-member groups. The second phase was held on the 18th of November, 2022, with the participation of four teams. 

The Econolympia 2022 quiz competition successfully concluded both phases by selecting the top 3 best-performing teams, where team Step Up grabbed the champion title.

Guest Lecture – ‘Project Management in times of Crisis’

A Guest Lecture on ‘Project Management in times of Crisis’ was organized in line with the subject ‘Project Evaluation’ for the third year undergraduates in the Department of Business Economics. This session was conducted by Mr. Prashan Costa, Head of Marketing in CEAT Kelani (Pvt) Ltd. It was held on 02nd of November 2022 in hybrid mode. It was a successful session as the students were able to capture the essentials of project management and the practical insights. 

Inbound Training for Third year undergraduates

The Department of Business Economics and Department of Human Resources Management together with the Career Guidance Unit of University of Colombo organized an inbound training on the 29th October 2022 for the third year undergraduate students of the Department of Business Economics and Department of Human Resources Management with the aim of developing and promoting teamwork, leadership and enhancing their interrelationships. 

The program’s second half was entertainment items presented by undergraduates to demonstrate their diverse talents. The DJ session added more colour to the event. It was enjoyed by everyone and concluded successfully. 

 Economic Outlook 2020

Economic Outlook’20 is a program organized by the Business Economics Students Association (BESA) for the third consecutive time. Economic Outlook’20 consists of two parts which is a competition and a business forum. The competition affiliated to the Economic Outlook’20 is an inter-university contest on business economics, it’s practical application and on improving the affluence of the students’ knowledge and industry-based skills. The business forum was organized to discuss a rather compelling topic in Sri Lanka’s economic environment:

“Key pillars of reforming the economy and business for a progressive Sri Lanka”

Bizcontier – Magazine Launch

Bizcontier, practically elaborated business-based legend of Economics, is the first ever magazine launched by the Srilanka Forum of Junior Business Economists with the intention of uplifting the awareness of the need of Business Economics for the global, local and daily corporate world. 

This piece of literary work consisted of many branches touching different aspects of the application of Business Economics. The professionals, policymakers, customers, businessmen,     tourists and mainly, the university students are benefited by the content. It also brought about suggestions for the changes that should be taken place in different industrial, governmental and social sections so as to bring about positive change in the economy.

The Economic Outlook ‘18

The Economic Outlook’18, which was organized by the Business Economics Students’ Association was successfully held on November 21, 2018 at the Prof Jayarathna Auditorium of the Faculty of Management and Finance. This event was structured to provide refreshing experience to undergraduates to enhance their knowledge on all aspects of economy and development of Sri Lanka. This event was attended by Dr Indrajith Coomaraswamy (Governor of Central Bank Sri Lanka), Mr Dharmadasa Rangalle (Senior Tax Commissioner at the Department of Inland Revenue), Mr Johnathan Abeywickrema (Director of Lanka Investing Network) and Mr Dulith Herath (Founder of Kapruka) to address the gathering. 

With over 200 undergraduates participating from both public and private universities, The Economic Outlook’18 created a platform for undergraduates not only to broaden their knowledge in the field of economics, but also to develop interaction between different universities in a similar areas of interest.  It was helpful to broaden the students’ organizing capacities of events in this nature.

Quiz Econ

The Business Economics Students’ Association organized a Quiz Competition ‘Quiz Econ’, for first and second year undergraduates in parallel with ‘The Economic Outlook’18’ forum. The aim of the quiz was to enhance the knowledge on business economics of the undergraduates and create a competitive atmosphere in the faculty. This event was attended by the Dean, Faculty of Management and Finance, Head of the department and senior academic staff members of the Department of Business Economics. The winners were awarded at the “The Economic Outlook’18’ by the Central Bank Governor, Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy.

Economic Outlook 2013

‘The Economic Outlook-2013’ was the first-ever forum organized by the Business Economics Students Association of Faculty of Management and finance with the view of developing knowledge and skills among the undergraduates particularly on the field of economics.  This forum contained a number of vital discussions by distinguished personalities on the perspective in the current economic affairs in Sri Lanka as well as at the global level and to enhance the know-how of entrepreneurship of undergraduates specialize in economics in both local universities and private universities.

Colombo Business Economic Summit -2024

Colombo Business Economic Summit Day :26th March 2024

What is the Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)?

What is the Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)?

We are the official student body representing the undergraduates of the Department of Business Economics in the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.

Our main goal is to facilitate the progress of our undergraduates in the development of their skills, talents and knowledge while strengthening the networks, communication, and cooperation internally and externally.

All undergraduates reading for the degree specializing in Business Economics in the Faculty of Management and Finance at the University of Colombo become distinguished members of the association.

What is ‘Colombo Business Economic Summit -2024?’

What is ‘Colombo Business Economic Summit -2024?’

Colombo Business Economic Summit is the promising inaugural project of the Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA) of the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, which is scheduled to be held on the 26th of March 2024 at the University of Colombo premises.

Colombo Business Economics Summit is an address by BESA for the prevailing need of surging the interest of undergraduates to contribute to the drive of the economy by enriching them with academic knowledge, providing a platform to share learning, and to hub the expertise of Business, Management, and Economics on one stage leading off a productive discussion over the issues to be addressed for a sustainable future. Furthermore, the summit will host the discussion by providing one stage for renowned experts in the fields of Business, Management, and Economics over contemporary issues.

Moreover, Colombo Business Economic Summit 2024 invites undergraduates across the island to participate in three Economics related competitions which constitute a part of the summit programme:

  1. Policy Pitching Contest
  2. Quiz Competition
  3. ‘Emerging Young Economist (EYE)’ Contest

Undergraduates can register for any one of the above competitions.

Policy Pitching Contest

Policy Pitching Contest

About

The Policy Pitching Contest is an Inter-University contest to be conducted as a part of the Colombo Business Economic Summit -2024 organized by the Department of Business Economics, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo. This provides a platform for undergraduate students to present and discuss policy suggestions for a burning economic problem in our country that can help to encourage critical thinking, research, and effective communication skills. Further, it provides a platform for students to analyze economic issues, formulate practical policies, and present their ideas persuasively. 

Competitors participating in ‘Policy Pitching Contest’ should prepare policy paper, ensuring address a specific Economic problem (within the Sri Lankan context) with clarity, innovation, and feasibility. The proposal should provide a clear problem statement. Craft ideas concisely yet convincingly, highlighting how the policy can make a significant and scalable impact. Highlight the viability of the proposal, detail achievable ways to put it into action, and predict the anticipated outcomes. Please check the Template and Guidelines for policy paper preparation here (.docx).

The prepared policy paper must be forwarded to office@dbe.cmb.ac.lk on or before 11.59 PM of 15th February 2024 (Note; Subject of the email should be kept as Policy Paper Submission: Colombo Business Economic Summit -2024).  Your submitted paper will be evaluated by a panel of faculty members and candidates selected for the final round will be notified through an email.  Those selected candidates have to pitch the policy idea through 10 minutes power-point presentation at the final round of ‘Policy Pitching Contest’ which will be happening on the summit day.

The winner will be awarded at the evening awarding ceremony to be happened on the summit day and all the participants will receive participation certificate on the same day.

General guidelines

  • Policy pitching Contest is open for all undergraduates of any state, private, or foreign universities.
  • Undergraduates should apply as individuals (Author 1 must be the undergraduate candidate. If there are supervisors you could mention maximum two supervisors as author 2 and author 3).
  • This contest is conducted as rounds.
  • At the 1st round appliers have to send a policy paper which is given answer to a burning economic problem in Sri Lanka by introducing economic policy. After a selection process, candidates got selected for final round will be informed through email. Further, the selected contestants have to prepare a PowerPoint presentation (10 minutes) and present it on the summit day (final Contest 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. 
  • At the 2nd round (Final Round on the summit day), judge panel members will select the best three policy papers from 10 minute oral power-point presentations done by final round 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 –15th January 2023
  • Closing for article submission – 29th February 2024
  • Notification of selected papers – 10th February 2024
  • PowerPoint presentation submission- 20th March 2024
  • Summit day – 26th March 2024

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.Dilushika – 071-3546623

Quiz Competition

Quiz Competition

About

The quiz competition is an inter-university competition which aims at indulging and enhancing the knowledge of undergraduates related to their know-how in economics-related general and academic knowledge. The quiz competition which consists of 3 rounds will follow up with competitive short questions tested within the areas of Business Economics, Management, and General Economics knowledge.

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.

First Round

Date – To be decided

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.

Second Round

Date – 26th of March 2024 (on the day of the Summit)

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 – 26th of March 2024 (on the day of the Summit)

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 – 15th of January 2024

Closing date for registrations of the quiz competition – 29th February 2024

Contact details

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

   Mr.Pasan Wijayawardhana- – 071-7229255

 Quiz Competition Coordinator:

   Ms.Trishani – 077-9739554

‘Emerging Young Economist (EYE)’ Contest

‘Emerging Young Economist (EYE)’ Contest

What is ‘Emerging Young Economist (EYE)’ Contest?

The ‘Emerging Young Economist (EYE)’ Contest evaluates the knowledge of potential business economists of the country. This is a contest of Economic Interpretation of Visual slides and a live open interview with a panel of distinguished economist/scholars from University of Colombo, where the participants’ subject knowledge of ‘Economics and Management’ stream, thinking skills and oral skills are tested through an oral examination. This contest will be happening on the day of Colombo Business Economic Summit-2024.

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-2024. 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 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. 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 – 26th of March 2024 (The Summit Day)

Time – 9.00 AM onwards

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

Contest/Competition Registration

Contest/Competition Registration

Register to this contest via link here: LINK

Deadline: on or before 29th February 2024

 

Summit Registration

Summit Registration

Registration Fee

For undergraduate students (Registered in any State and Private Universities In Sri Lanka) – Free of charge

Summit Registration Link : https://forms.gle/tWrGyzdn2wn4AFuV9

 

Contact Details

Contact details

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

Mr.Pasan Wijayawardhana- – 071-7229255

President- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)
Mr.Miyuru Bhashitha – 077-8919706

Secretary- Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA)
Ms.Himasha Hapugala – 077-9366579

 

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

Business Economics Students’ Association

Executive Committee 23/24

Welcome the esteemed members of the executive committee of BESA led by President Dunil Somanayake. The board was appointed by an election process with the participation of the students of the department on the 10th of August 2023. These great leaders and their invaluable contributions will steer our association toward new heights.

Editorial Committee

Introducing the Editorial Committee at BESA: Say hello to the wordsmiths and content creators of BESA! Under the guidance of Tharindya Thudugala, our Editorial Committee is a team of six 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

PR and Digital Media Committee

Introducing the PR & Digital Media Committee of BESA: Led by the talented Ishini Wickramasinghe and powered by a team of 6 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!

Logistics Team

Introducing the Logistics Committee at BESA: Meet the driving force behind seamless event execution and resource management at BESA! Led by the dynamic Nipun Malshan, 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.

Establishment of Research Hub

Research Hub the newly established subsidiary of the prestigious Business Economics Students’ Association (BESA), dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and advancing research and development within the academic sphere.

The official establishment of the Research Hub took place on 29th August 2023, graced with the presence of Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Prof. (chair) H.D. Karunaratne, the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Finance Prof. M.P.P. Dharmadasa and the Head of the Department of Business Economics Prof. Nihal Hennayake, as a part of the very first economic dialogue organized by BESA.

With Trishani and Miyuru being at the helm of this endeavor 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!

 

Field Visit to Neluwa Medagama Tea Factory

A field visit to the Neluwa Medagama Tea Factory was organized by the third year students of Department of Business Economics under the guidance of the senior lecturer of University of Colombo; Mr. Yasantha Daminda. Here are some snaps of the day.

Department Of Economics – Day Out

Business Economics Department Day Out organized by final year students of the Business Economics Student Association was held on 20th February 2019 at saffron Beach Hotel, Wadduwa.

Econolympia’ 22

“Economics is everywhere and understanding it will help you make better decisions and lead a happier life “ _Tyler Cowen_  
 
Behold as the Students’ Association of the Department of Business Economics of University of Colombo brings to you “Econolympia”, the most awaited quiz competition of the year
Exclusively for Second Year Undergraduates  
Register yourselves via the following link
The opportunity is yours to grab

Upcoming Event

Driving towards a Resurgent Economy

 

The Business Economics Students’ Association is organizing an event under the theme ‘Driving towards a Resurgent Economy’, which will focus on vital discussion on reviving from the economic crisis. This event will be held on Friday, 25th November 2022, at 9.00 am in Prof. Jayarathne Conference Hall of the FMF, with the presence of the honorable Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Mr. Nandalal Weerasinghe as the keynote speaker. He will deliver a keynote related to the theme, followed by a Q and A session open for the participants.

Inquiries

Fill form to contact the department

Address

Department of Business Economics
Faculty of Management & Finance
University of  Colombo,
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.

Phone

+94-11-255 2363 
 

Email