Department of Business Economics

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)

Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne

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

Chair Professor

Dr. W.A. Sajitha Dishanka

[PhD (Tokyo), MBA (Col), B.Com (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 

Senior Lecturer 

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

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 29^th 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.

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 29^th 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.

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

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Address

Department of Business Economics

Faculty of Management & Finance

University of  Colombo,

Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.

Phone

+94-11-255 2363 

Email

office@dbe.cmb.ac.lk