
MPhil/PhD Programme in Management & Business Studies
The need of a research degree programme for the faculty for its strategic goal of achieving academic excellence in management education had been recognized for more than 10 years. For several times efforts had been made but could not bring a result for various reasons, however it become a reality during 2013/14.The first programme was inaugurated in May 2014 , currently the intake to this programme is limited to maximum 15 candidate to maintain high standard of quality.
Programme Options
MPhil/PhD | Full time | Part time |
Y | Y |
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 | 350,000 | 350,000 | 350,000 | 1,050,000 |
Total | 367,000 | 362,000 | 362,000 | 1,091,000 |
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 |

Prof. A.A.C. Abeysinghe
Coordinator – MPhil/PhD Programme
“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”
+94 771 141 977
Student Reviews

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.
For MPhil Leading to PhD
- Bachelor’s Honors Degree (SLQF 6) with First or Second Class (Upper Division) with thesis option or subsequent published work in a subject area acceptable to the Faculty; or
- Bachelor’s Degree (SLQF 5) with First Class (having offered relevant subjects) and postgraduate qualification/s with sufficient research component or published work acceptable to the Faculty ; Or
- Two-year Master’s Degree with substantial research component (SLQF 10) in a subject area acceptable to the Faculty; Or
- Any other Master’s Degree (SLQF 9) in a relevant subject with subsequent refereed published 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
As a preparation for the application process, you are advised to be engaged in preparing a good research proposal explaining your intended research topic.
Your research proposal need not to be a lengthy one. It should contain:
- The background and the need of the suggested research
- The research issue/problem
- Empirical/ pilot study findings related to the issue
- Importance of the suggested research either to the academia or to policy makers or both
- The intended research method
The length of the report would be between 1000 -1500 words.
How to Apply
Please visit the website and download the application form: https://mgmt.cmb.ac.lk/pgmcdu/?page_id=2145
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 can be paid online: https://pay.cmb.ac.lk/
Foreign Applicants don’t need to pay application fee.
After evaluating application eligible candidate will be called for an interview which would we face to face or online interview.
Online Payment
Instruction for paying through online:
Interview requirements
After evaluating application eligible candidate will be called for an interview which would we face to face or online interview.
Panel of Resource Persons

Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne
PhD (Nagoya, Japan), MA (Econ) , BA (Econ) (USJP)
- International Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics of SMEs
- Economic Policy
- Income Inequality
- Labour Market
- Migration

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
Programme Administrator: 077 50 502 71
Payment inquiries
Senior Assistant Bursar: 011 25 831 06
General inquiries
Senior Assistant Registrar: 011 25 012 92