MPhil/PhD Programme in Management & Business Studies
In recognition of the faculty’s need for a research degree programme for its strategic goal of achieving academic excellence in management education, the MPhil/PhD in Management & Business Studies programme was introduced in May 2014. Currently, the intake to this programme is limited to a maximum of 15 candidates to maintain a high standard of quality.
Programme Options
| Program | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| MPhil/PhD | Y | Y |
Prof. A.A.C. Abeysinghe
Coordinator – MPhil/PhD program
Contact No: 0771141977
Prof. Arosha Adikaram
Coordinator – 2025-2028 MPhil/PhD program
Contact No: 0773601030
Your Investment
For entry in the academic year beginning January 2022, the tuition fees are as follows:
For local applicants (in SLR)
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total | |
| Refundable library deposit | 5,000 | - | - | 5000 |
| Annual Registration Fee | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| Library Fee | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 6,000 |
| Tuition Fee | 353,000 | 353,000 | 353,000 | 1,059,000 |
| Total | 370,000 | 365,000 | 365,000 | 1,100,000 |
“You are invited to be learning partners and to join our academic journey of exploring the social world for a better managerial practice from novel and alternative perspectives using philosophically rooted methodological choices”
Total all-inclusive investment for foreign nationals in USD (Except for food, lodging, Airfare and local travelling):
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total | |
| For SAARC Region | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 9000 |
| For Others | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 12,000 |
Student Reviews
Thrisara Wickramasinghe
MPhil / PhD 2023
As a passionate researcher and a lecturer, the immense value-added opportunities provided throughout the Ph.D. program triggered my intellectual curiosity. In fact, joining the Ph.D. program offered by the faculty of management and finance at the University of Colombo was one of the best-blessed decisions I have made in life. Because this Ph.D. program stands out in many aspects. Indeed, it gives the learning partner a one-of-a-kind transformative experience. It is not only about the inevitable recognition both locally and internationally but also about the great experience and exposure it provides. The unique outstanding culture of the University of Colombo is full of excitement, enjoyment, and a positive vibe. Every encounter at the university enhances the feeling of a sense of belonging and that actually provides a peaceful happiness which is crucial for a fulfilling and fruitful academic journey. This journey so far has been always rewarding and enlightening.
I am immensely grateful to Prof. AAC Abeysinghe for enabling this journey to be an effective transformation enhancing our critical thinking with a philosophical understanding. The way Sir, explains complex phenomena in a very clear and precise manner is something that I admire. We are blessed to have continuous support, insights and guidance from such intellectual experts. I have realised how remarkable the incredible training provided throughout the PhD program has transformed me as a person. I will always be grateful to Prof. AAC Abeysinghe for being the leading light throughout this journey of pursuing wisdom.
Jingfang Liu
MPhil/PhD 2022
I am currently enjoying my learning in this programme very much. Talking about the best part of this programme so far is the comprehensive knowledge shared by different types of renowned professors on philosophical understanding of the research, which cannot be commonly found in other programmes where methodology prevails much more. This programme indeed highlights the importance of the philosophy in the research together with in-depth research training in other focused areas as what they have promised beforehand. Looking forward to gaining more exciting knowledge and knowing more amazing experts in the coming years! Thanks always Prof. Abeysinghe for being such a kind and lovely person to support me in my learning!
Mihirani Dissanayake
MPhil/PhD 2022
I am Mihirani Dissanayake, working as the CEO/ Directress of Survey Research Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. I am a mother of two children in grades 8 and A/L.
When I was looking for a university to attend to pursue my Ph.D., I wanted to find one that was respected both locally and internationally, as well as one that would place a strong emphasis on academic standards. As a result, I chose the University of Colombo for my Ph.D. program; nevertheless, given common misconceptions and obstacles in government institutions’ processes, I doubt that it will take me a long time to complete the program.
However, the first year of the program itself dispelled my uncertainty, and I am happy that I decided to pursue my Ph.D. at the University of Colombo. I am in awe of the program’s design, which ensures that every student receives equal guidance from a panel of legendary scholars from multiple disciplines and a highly engaged course coordinator. Prof. A.A.C. Abeysinghe makes a concerted effort to monitor the development of each student’s work and to outline the most effective route to complete all program milestones.
It is a miracle for me personally that I have completed all the program’s milestones despite my hectic job and family schedules. This would not have been possible without the candid, clear, and critical feedback I have received from the panel regarding my work thus far.
Therefore, I can state with certainty that choosing the University of Colombo would make the doctoral journey a great one for harried private-sector professionals like me.
Anitha Siriwardana
MPhil/PhD 2021
As an academic working in private sector higher education, enrolling in the MPhil/PhD programme of FMF – University of Colombo was the best decision I made. Through my masters and undergraduate studies also, Colombo University never failed to prove its worth and through this MPhil/PhD programme the quality of work, design of studies with the comprehensive process followed proves consistent strength and value benchmarking the programme to become the number 01 PhD programme in the country.
I recommend and have already shared all details of the programme to all my colleagues and friends who look forward to transform their future in academics and grow as individuals with the highly supportive and qualified lecture panel and the best coordinator Dr. A.A. C. Abeysinghe who envisions in empowering students to genera new knowledge to the academia and economic growth.
I wish the best for the programme and look forward to contributing my best in the future.
Nethmi Herath
MPhil/PhD 2021
As a young and early career researcher, I received worthy guidance and philosophical research background by enrolling into the MPhil/PhD program at the Faculty of Management and Finance, UOC. So far, it was an enjoyable and positive learning experience for me. If anyone is seeking to learn and expand research capabilities, this program has many perks.
Veronica Kurukulaarachchi
MPhil/PhD 2021
The MPhil/PhD Programme at Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo helps me to enhance my knowledge and learn further research philosophy, research paradigms, literature review and methodologies. Providing excellent coordination, as well as empathy towards the candidates with the support and guidance directed them in right path to achieve their objectives. The progarmme facilitates us to strengthen ourselves with research knowledge, right attitudes and develop the skills in research which leads to holistic approach on top. Further the course modules emphasize the importance of theory, literature, finding the scholarly or scientific articles, peer review, contribution to existing knowledge and adding new knowledge to our specialized and relevant area. The healthy set of networks in the programme leads to research collaboration with other colleagues and institutes. Further, the programme enables us to identify new research opportunities with publications and presenting at conferences.
My sincere appreciation goes to the Coordinator of the Programme, the Dean of the faculty, my supervisor, all the lecturers who taught us, other faculty members and administration staff at the faculty.
Nandana Gunaratne
MPhil/PhD 2021
I would like to appreciate the programme coordinator’s effort to make the success of this program and I decided to join this programme because of his way of following up my inquiry about this programme. (I had made all the arrangements to follow my studies in a postgraduate institute of another University). The time and days of activities are convenient for me.The course content is comfortable for students who are coming from non-management backgrounds. The way of conducting lectures is very good. I am enjoying the program with my colleagues and I would like to recommend this program for my friends too.
Wesley John
MPhil/PhD 2021
The PhD program of the Faculty of Management and Finance is designed to enhance the knowledge and research skills of the students to become a quality researcher. The teaching methods are very effective to gain deep knowledge about PhD level research with a deeper understanding of Philosophical perspectives. The discussions and group work led the program effective which helped to exchange and enhance new knowledge. Sharing the own research experience of the teaching panel always positively motivate the students. Sessions on Qualitative and Quantitative methods for all research students helped us to get better understanding about all different research methods to think on a broader perspective. The commitment of the Course coordinator and the teaching panel is exceptional.
Sachee Senanayake
MPhil/PhD 2021
The course work we experienced so far has enabled us to gain comprehensive understanding on Philosophical underpinning of Research as well as on different Research Methodologies.
The panel of Lecturers we have encountered are all quite supportive and friendly. Especially Dr. Abeysinghe is always available to patiently answer the many queries of us and it’s a huge advantage when going through a tough academic endeavour such as this. therefore it has been a pleasant as well as an intellectually stimulating experience.
Pubuddi Shamila
MPhil/PhD 2021
I choose Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo to start my next academic journey with following MPhil/PhD programme and that was the significant decision and I selected the most suitable place to continue my studies, because the University has the superior collaboration with the academia and that it leads to the perfection of the learning environment. They provide and exceptional assistance for the young researcher to initialize their journey to be successful. Since I joined with the study program, it has been very rewarding and enjoyable experiences. I believe this would be an amazing educational journey.
Dr. Pradeep Uluwaduge
MPhil/PhD 2014
My PhD Journey with the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo is truly an enriching experience, guiding me to chase my intellectual passion in an academicaaly challenging environment. It is a privilege to be a member of the inaugurl batch of the PhD Programme of the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo and being one of the first students successfully completed it. Frequent guidance extened by my supervisor made me to understand my abilities and areas to be improved, which drove me to work hard amidst of my personal and professional commitments. I am glad that I was privy to complete my doctorate a Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, the premier University in the country.
Dr. Shanta Rajapaksha Yapa
MPhil/PhD 2014
It is a great privilege to be the first PhD from the Faculty of Management & Finance, University of Colombo. It was a very challenging and an exciting journey that took multiple years and unconditionally supported by a competent and dedicated faculty. Despite my decades of experience as a practicing manager in diverse industry sectors, the PhD enabled me to leave my footprint in the domain of open innovation by way of multiple findings and tools that can be used by academics and practitioners across the world.
Resent Events
Students’ Seminars
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA For MPhil Leading to PhD
Bachelor’s Honors Degree (SLQF 6) from a recognized university with First or Second Class(Upper Division) with thesis or subsequent published work in subject area acceptable to the Faculty
Or
Bachelor’s Degree (SLQF 5), from a recognized university, having offered the relevant subjects of the proposed area of research and with postgraduate qualifications with substantial research component or published work acceptable to the faculty
Or
Two-year Master’s Degree with substantial research component (SLQF 10), from a recognized university, in a relevant subject of the proposed area of research acceptable to the faculty
Or
Any other Master’s Degree (SLQF 9), from a recognized university, in a relevant subject of the proposed area of research, with subsequent research, acceptable to the faculty
And
Good command of the English language.
For Direct Entry to PhD
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree (SLQF 11) of not less than two years duration in a subject area acceptable to the Faculty; Or
Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant field with a Master’s Degree of not less than two years duration with at least one year research component in a subject area acceptable to the Faculty;
And
Good command of the English language.
Advice to applicants
You have to submit the following in applying for the program
- Duly filled application
- Research proposal
- The length of the research proposal sould be between 1000 -1500 words
- It should contain:
- A tentative topic
- The background and the need of the suggested research (research gap)
- The research issue/problem
- Significance of your proposed study
- The intended research method
- Major references and proposed methodology
- Reference (does not inlcude in the word count)
3. The reference letters
- At least one reference must be from someone who knows you in your most recent academic study and is qualified to comment on your suitability for your chosen programme of study.
- Include the following in the reference report
- Relationship to the applicant
- How long the applicant is known to the referee
- Assessment of the applicant as to the potential for pursuing studies at a MPhil/PhD level (Please explain in detail)
- Referees should directly email the reference reports to the following address
- Scanned copies of the academic credential,
- The receipt of the application fee payment
How to Apply
Please visit the website and download the application form: https://mgmt.cmb.ac.lk/
Email duly filled application form along with scanned copies of Educational Certificate and Research Proposal to mphil-phd@mgmt.cmb.ac.lk
Application Fee Rs. 5000 is payable online: https://pay.cmb.ac.lk/
Foreign Applicants are not required to pay the application fee.
After evaluating application, the eligible candidates will be called for an interview which would be face to face or online.
Online Payment
Instruction for paying online – Application Fee
Step 01: Visit http://pay.cmb.ac.lk/
Step 02: Select Fee Type for Postgraduate Applications for FMF Appearing as Application Fee -Post Graduate- FM/FS/FL/FGS/FMF
Step 03: Enter payment Reference 312091800002, then get verified
Step 04: Enter the payment amount as Rs. 5000.00, Then submit and proceed to the payment window
Step 05: Proceed with your bank details and Finish
Instruction for paying online – Course Fee
Step 01: Visit http://pay.cmb.ac.lk/
Step 02: Select Fee Type for Postgraduate Course fee for FMF Appearing as Course Fee – Post Graduate FM/FS/FL/FGS/FMF
Step 03: Enter the Individual reference number provided.
Step 04: Enter the amount of payment as per the instructions in the offer letter. Then submit and proceed to the payment window
Step 05: Proceed with your bank details and Finish
Panel of Resource Persons
Professor H. N. P. Jayasinghe
PhD (NUS – Singapore), MPhil (Sydney), MA (Econ) (Col), BA (Econ) (Col), SEDA (UK)
- Capital Market Efficiency
- Empirical Regulatory in Finance Market
- Investor Behaviour
- Corporate Governance
Professor K.A.S.P. Kaluarachchi
PhD (Hosei, Japan)], MBA (Col), B.Com (Special) (SJP), CTHE (Col)
- Management Theory and Practices (MTP)
Specific Opportunities Available
- Exploring unexplored in quality management: A Sri Lankan case
- Divisive to non-divisive: A story of success from service sector in Sri Lanka
- Eco-tourism practices: A cutting-edge strategy to promote tourism in Sri Lanka
Professor A. S. Adikaram
PhD (Col), MA in Labour Studies (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), AMIPM (SL)
- Employee Voice
- Harassment and Bulling
- Gender Issues in Management
Professor K. Dissanayake
PhD (Meiji, Japan), MBA (Meiji, Japan), MBA (Col), B.Com (Col), Dip. In Adv. Eng. (Col), Dip. In Counseling (SLFI, Sri Lanka)
- Values in organizations,
- Sustainability Practices and SMEs
- Generation Z at Work
Professor Pavithra Kailasapathy
PhD (Melbourne, Australia), MSBA (UMass-Amherst-USA), MS in HRM (New School-USA), Cr Cert in OD (New School-USA), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), AMCIPM (SL)
- Work Family Conflict /Balance
- Recent Trends in Sri Lankan Labour Market
- Gender and Organizations
Professor A. A. Azeez
PhD (YNU, Japan), MBA (Col), B.Com (Peradeniya), Japan Foundation Fellow (Waseda University, Japan)
- Assets Pricing
- Corporate Finance
- Banking
Professor D. T. D. Kodagoda
PhD (Bradford, UK), M.Com (India), B.Com (Col)
- Work Life Balance and its policies
- Woman in Entrepreneurship
- Recent Trends in SL Labour Market
Professor Tharusha N. Gooneratne
PhD (La Ttrobe, Australia), MPhil (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), FCMA (UK)
- Management Accounting
- Management Control
- Current Developments in Management Accounting
Professor M. P. P. Dharmadasa
PhD (Bond, Australia), MBA (Col), BSc (B. Ad.) (USJP), Dip in Packaging (AIP, India, CTHE (Col)
- Strategic Management Issues
- International Business
- International Marketing
- Family Controlled Business
Professor N. N. J. Navaratne
PhD (Keio-Japan), MA (Keio- Japan), BSc (B.Ad.) (USJP), CTHE (Col)
- Behavioural Aspects
- Decision Making Patterns
Professor B. Nishantha
PhD (Ryukoku-Japan), MBA (Col), B.Com (Col), CTHE (Col)
- Entrepreneurship
- SMEs
- SME Growth Dynamics
Professor A. A. C. Abeysinghe
PhD (Manchester, UK), MPhil (Col), MBA (Slovenia), BSc (Business Administration) Sp. (USJP)
- Management Controls
- Public sector accounting
- Integrated thinking & Reporting
Professor K G Sampath Kehelwalatenna
PhD. (UBD-Brunei), MBA (Col), B.Com (Col.), CTHE (Col)
- Accounting for Intangible Assets
- Taxation
- Intellectual Capital
Dr. K. Kajendra
PhD In Marketing (Delhi- India), MBA (Cochin –India), M.Com (Kelaniya), B.Com (Jaffna-SL)
- Marketing
- Consumer Behavior
- Organizational Behaviour
Dr. R. Senathiraja
PhD (Madras, India), MSc (Mgt) (USJP), B.Com (Jaffna- SL), CTHE (Col)
- Creativity & Innovation
- Corporate Entrepreneurship
- Micro Finance & Social
- Entrepreneurship
Dr. D. T. Wijetunga
PhD (Melbourne, Australia), MBA (PIM-USJP), BSc. (Marketing Sp.) (USJP), CTHE (Col), Dip. in Mkt. (CIM, UK)
- Consumer Culture
- Critical Marketing
Dr. H. M. Nihal Hennayake
PhD (AGU, Japan), MA (Economics) (GRIPS – Tokyo), M.Com (Kelaniya), MA (Economics) (Col.), BA (Economics) (Col.), CTHE (Col)
- Cluster Based Industrial Development
Dr. G. A. T. R. Perera
PhD (WUT,China), MBA (Col), B.Com (Sp.) (Col)]
- Entrepreneurship
- Small and Medium Scale Industries
- Indigenous Management Practices
Specific Opportunities Available
- Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurship Development
- MSME Sector Development and, Creativity and Innovation in the MSME Sector
- Management Practices in Different Countries and Contemporary Issues in Management
Dr. Maduka Udunuwara
PhD (Edith Cowen University, Australia), MBA (PIM), B.Com (Special, Col) CTHE (Col)
- Customer Behavior in Travel & Tourism
- Service Marketing and Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Customer Service
Dr. AWMM Atapattu
PhD (UNSW-Australia), MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col),SEDA(UK)
- Knowledge Management
- Leadership
- Cross Cultural Management
Dr. SDK Wanninayake
PhD (UNSW-Australia), MBA (PIM-SJP), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col),SEDA(UK),CIMA Passed Finalist
- Emotional Labour
- Aesthetic Labour
- Strategic Human Resource Management
Dr. DLPM Rathnasinghe
PhD (MSU), MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col)
- Micro Finance
- Financial Markets
- Behavioral Finance
Dr.AW Janitha C Abeygunasekara
PhD (QUT-Australia), MBA(SJP), BBA(Col),FHEA(UK),CTHE(Col),SEDA(UK)
- Business Process Management & Performance Management
- Auditing
- Internet Based Technologies in Accounting and Auditing
Dr. Sashika Manoratne
PhD (AUT, New Zealand), MBA (California, USA), BSc (SJP), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), Passed Finalist CIMA
- Sustainability and SMEs
- Spirituality and Sustainability
- Indigenous Industries
- and Sustainability
Dr. S. Buvanendra
PhD (India), MBA (Col), BBA (Jaffna), CTHE (Col)
- Corporate Finance
- Corporate Governance
- Earnings Management
- Financial Literacy
Dr. MA Yasantha D Madurapperuma
PhD (Republic of Korea),M.Sc. in MIT(Kelaniya), B.Com(Col),CTHE(Col)
- Cross Cultural Management
- Consumer Well Being
- CSR and CRM
- HR Practices
- Social Entrepreneurship
Dr. W Pemarathne Gamage
PhD (Kelaniya, Sri Lanka), MCom (Kelaniya), PG (Dip) in Business Management (Col), B.Sc. Bus. Adm. (SJP) , BA in RMSED (Costa Rica)
- Sustainability
- Creativity
- Strategic Orientation
Dr. Nishani Ekanayake
PhD (Newcastle Business School-UK),MBA(Col), BCom(Col), CTHE(Col), SEDA (UK), FHEA (UK)
- Risks in Banks
- Financial Markets
- Bank Corporate Governance
Dr. MG Nuwan Indika
PhD (Kansas State University,USA),MA in Economics (USA) , BA Econometrics (Col), MEcon(Col), ACUE(USA)
- Big Data
- Econometrics
- Industrial Organization
- Micro Economics
Dr. Rajitha Silva
PhD (Kelaniya), CTHE (Col), MBA (CSU-Australia), PGDip. (UK), BBA (Col)
- Corruption Prone Behaviour
- Public Sector
- Employee Behaviour at work
Dr. Tharindu C. Ediriwickrama
PhD (Col), MBA (ICFAI, India), BSc (Finance Sp. USJP), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK)
- Asset Pricing
- Corporate Finance
Dr. WA Sajitha Dishanka
PhD (Tokyo , Japan), MBA (Col), B.Com(Col) , CTHE(Col)
- Cross-Cultural Management
- Capabilities and Human Development
- Political Economy
Dr. Dharshani Thennakoon
PhD (QUT-Australia), MBA (PIM-SJP),BBA(Col),CTHE(Col),SEDA(UK),CIMA Passed Finalist, Fellow of the Higher Education
- Employee Engagement
- Training Transfer
- Organizational Routines
Specific Opportunities Available
- Physical Work Environments and Organizational Space
- Individual Career Transitions
Dr. Seuwandhi B. Ranasinghe
PhD (Glasgow, UK), MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK)
- Organization Studies
- Post-Colonial Studies
- Feminist ender Studies
Dr. Nuradhini K Jeyasiri
PhD (Otago, New Zealand) ,MBA (Col), BBA(Col) , CTHE (Col), SEDA(Col) , Adv Dip in Management Accounting (CIMA)
- Financial & Corporate Reporting
- Integrated Reporting & Integrated Thinking
- Information System & Enterprise System
Dr. DG Sujeewa Damayanthi
PhD(PIM-Sri Lanka), MBA (Col),CTHE (Col) , SEDA( UK)
- Management Accounting
- Management Controls
Dr. Ruwangi Chandrasekara
PhD(PIM-SJP),MBA (Col), BBA(Col) , CIMA Passed Finalist (UK), CTHE (Col) , SEDA(UK)
- Cultural and Conflict/Cultural Tensions
- Identity
Some Prefrered Areas Available for Research
Professor K.A.S.P. Kaluarachchi
Department of Management and Organization Studies
- Exploring unexplored in quality management: A Sri Lankan case
- Divisive to non-divisive: A story of success from service sector in Sri Lanka
- Eco-tourism practices: A cutting-edge strategy to promote tourism in Sri Lanka
Dr. Tissa Ravinda Perera
Department of Management and Organization Studies
- Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurship Development
- MSME Sector Development and, Creativity and Innovation in the MSME Sector
- Management Practices in Different Countries and Contemporary Issues in Management
Dr. Dharshani Thennakoon
Department of Human Resource Management
- Physical Work Environments and Organizational Space
- Individual Career Transitions
Address
Research Degrees Unit
Faculty of Management and Finance
University of Colombo
Inquiries
Programme inquiries
Programme Coordinator: 077 11 419 77 /071 75 114 19
Payment inquiries
Senior Assistant Bursar: 011 25 831 06
General inquiries
Senior Assistant Registrar: 011 25 012 92