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
Associate Professor H.M. Nihal Hennayake
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
Mr. M Ramesh Rajasuriya (2016 – 2019)
Mr. WASP Weerathunga (2012- 2015)
Senior Professor. HD Karunaratne (2010 – 2012, 2015 – 2016)
Professor. HN 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]
Senior 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
Dr. W.A. Sajitha Dishanka
[PhD (Tokyo), MBA (Col), B.Com (Col), CTHE (Col)]
Senior Lecturer
Professor M.A. Yasantha D Madurapperuma
[PhD (Republic of Korea), MSc in MIT (Kelaniya), BCom (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
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) (Reading), 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
Assistant Lecturer
Non Academic Staff
Ms. W. M. P. A. D. Wickramasinghe
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Economics (Special) Degree
The students specializing in Business Economics will be trained to analyse business phenomena from an economic perspective. Unlike in a traditional degree programme in economics, these students will have the opportunity to study all core management courses. The exposure to various modules in economics will enhance their economic understanding and skills needed to analyse business and managerial situations.
| 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 |
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.
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
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
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