Colombo Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme was launched by the Faculty in 2019 with the aim of producing practitioner researchers equipped with knowledge and skills which are imperative in transforming business practices in organisations. The programme is essentially for outstanding managers, who hold masters level qualification and significant work experience, and aspire to enhance their careers combining academic rigor and managerial relevance. We believe, our DBA degree holders would be able to contribute towards developing state-of-the-art knowledge through business research within their current and future work settings.
The DBA degree programme extends over three academic years (six semesters). It comprises of a fine blend of management theory, practice as well as research through an array of taught courses (assessed through continuous assessments and end-semester examinations), workshops on contemporary business practices and business research, seminars and a thesis on an approved topic.
- The duration of each Academic Year (under normal circumstances) 52 weeks
- The duration of each Semester (under normal circumstances) 26 weeks
- Each Academic Year consist of two Semesters, viz., the First Semester and the Second Semester.
Colombo DBA
- A three-year programme which extends over six semesters (two semesters each year). Comprises of a fine blend of management theory, practice and research.
- Commences with structured coursework covering an array of important management and research topics (which are assessed through continuous assessments and end-semester examinations).
- Includes a series of research workshops and seminars designed to build research competencies.
- Involves periodic progress reviews by expert panels to track progress of on-going research work.
- Features a practice-oriented research project completed through the submission of a thesis on an approved topic.
- Facilitated by well-trained and qualified teaching staff. Guided by research supervisors with high research repute and expertise as well as exposure from leading institutes across the world
2026 Intake will be advertised on the First Week of May
Eligibility for Admission to the Programme
- An M.Phil. Degree in Business, or related fields from a recognised University with minimum 03 years work experience at senior managerial level.
- A two-year Master’s Degree in Business, or related fields from a recognised university with minimum 05 years work experience at senior managerial level.
- A one-year Master’s Degree in Business, or related fields with minimum 10 years work experience at senior managerial level.
- And good working knowledge of English
Previous Coordinators
Program Details
Combining academic rigor and managerial relevance, our DBA programme includes a collection of core courses (in Semesters I and II) and elective courses (in Semester III) which would lay a strong foundation to conduct a quality research and produce a research thesis.
Course Details
| Course Code | Course | No. of Credits | |||
|
Year1 |
Semester I |
DBA 7401 | Readings in Strategic Management | 04 | |
| DBA 7402 | Business Research Methods I | 04 | |||
| DBA 7403 | Organizational Theories | 04 | |||
| DBA 7304 | Advanced Statistics for Management Research | 03 | |||
| DBA 7205 | Workshop I | 02 | |||
| Total Credits per semester | 17 | ||||
|
Semester II |
DBA 7306 | Contemporary Issues in Management | 03 | ||
| DBA 7407 | Business Research Methods II | 04 | |||
| DBA 7408 | Business Case Studies | 04 | |||
| DBA 7409 | Advanced Readings in Accounting |
One Elective Course
(01*04) 04 |
|||
| DBA 7410 | Advanced Readings in Business Economics | ||||
| DBA 7411 | Advanced Readings in Finance | ||||
| DBA 7412 | Advanced Readings in HRM | ||||
| DBA 7413 | Advanced Readings in International Business | ||||
| DBA 7414 | Advanced Readings in Marketing | ||||
| DBA 7415 | Advanced Readings in Entrepreneurship | ||||
| DBA 7416 | Advanced Readings in Special Topics | ||||
| DBA 7417 | Econometric Methods | ||||
| Total Credits per semester | 15 | ||||
| Year2 |
Semester III |
DBA 7418 | Seminar on Research | 04 | |
| DBA 7219 | Workshop II | 02 | |||
| Total Credits per semester | 06 | ||||
Semester IV |
DBA 7220 | Workshop III | 02 | ||
| DBA 7100 | Research Proposal | 10 | |||
| Total Credits per semester | 12 | ||||
| Year3 |
Semesters V & VI |
DBA 7400 | Thesis | 40 | |
Total Number of Credits |
90 |
||||
2026 intake will be advertised in May 2026 Course activities will commence in August
Important Dates
| Applications Open | May 2026 |
| Deadline for Submission | Notify later |
| Commencement of the Program |
August 2026 |
Instructions for Applicants
The applications have to be submitted online.
Before filling out the applications, please be ready with the required documentation
Before filling out the applications, review the sample application available on the website.
Please be ready with the required documentation in PDF Format:
- Certificates of Academic and / or Professional qualifications
- Service letters
- Research publications (if any)
- Non related referee reports ( Can be submitted directly to the coordinator (coordinator-dba@pgmcdu.cmb.ac.lk) or the office (dba@pgmcdu.cmb.ac.lk) based on the preference of the referees)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- e-signature
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 6000 and obtain the receipt. (Payment options are below)
Once you have all the necessary documents, proceed to complete the online application form.
Payment options 01
Please pay at any branch of the People’s Bank Island wide using the usual deposit slip. Fill in the slip using the following information and your personal information. Please keep a photocopy/scanned copy of the slip with you before providing it to the university.
Reference Number No: 312096700017
Account Name: Main Collection Account of University of Colombo
- Select Application Fee – Faculty of Management & Finance
- Select Visa/Master
- Enter your Name, NIC (National Identity Card Number) or Passport Number and 6000 LKR as the amount.
- Enter 312096700017 in the Payment Reference bar
- Once verified, submit your information
- Check and confirm your details.
- Enter your card details and proceed
Course Fee Structure (in LKR)
| Application Fee | Rs. 6000.00 |
| Registration Fee (annual) | Rs. 5000.00 |
| Library Fee (annual) | Rs. 1500.00 |
| Refundable Library Deposit | Rs. 5000.00 |
Course Fee: (Payable in Installments)
| First year | Rs. 600,000.00 |
| Second year | Rs. 600,000.00 |
| Third year | Rs. 300,000.00 |
Course Fee for foreign students
| Course Fee for foreign students (Total) in USD 10,000 |
If you are shortlisted, you will be called for an interview.
After facing the interview, the selected candidates will be notified in the First week of August
The course will commence on August, 2026
Residential Workshop Batch 2023/2026
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2025
Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort
The DBA Residential Workshop 2025 was held with the participation of Batch 2023. The workshop was facilitated by Professor Nihal Hennayake, Dean, Faculty of Management and Finance; Professor K. A. S. P. Kaluharachchi, Head, Postgraduate and Mid-Career Unit, Faculty of Management and Finance; Senior Professor (Chair) Arosha Adikaram; and Professor (Chair) Tharusha Gooneratne and Professor Maduka Udunuwara, Coordinator of the DBA Program. The workshop aimed to further help participants refine their DBA research and provided an opportunity to step away from the usual classroom environment, fostering deeper reflection, collaboration, and engagement with their research work.
3MT competition 2025
This year, Colombo DBA introduced a new feature to the residential workshop, where DBA candidates presented the significance of their research in a novel and engaging manner. This competition was designed to take participants away from the traditional classroom setting and prepare them to know clearly “Why My Research Matters” (or the significance of your study) and to ensure your contribution to the chosen field.
Inauguration – DBA 7th Intake 2025
The 7th intake of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Programme of the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, has officially commenced its academic activities. The inauguration ceremony was held on the 16th of August 2025 with the participation of newly enrolled candidates, faculty members, and distinguished academics.
This year’s intake consists of 34 students, carefully selected after a rigorous screening process from a large number of applications received from senior professionals representing diverse sectors. The strong competition reflects the growing recognition of the University of Colombo’s DBA programme as a premier qualification for professionals seeking to enhance their research capabilities and contribute to evidence-based management practice.
The DBA Programme continues to provide an advanced platform for senior managers, academics, and policymakers to integrate theoretical insights with real-world practice through applied research. The Faculty of Management and Finance remains committed to fostering scholarly excellence and supporting participants in their journey toward impactful doctoral research.
The workshop on contemporary topics in business, management and research
The workshop on contemporary topics in business, management and research for the DBA 2024/2027 batch students featured insightful speeches by four leading academics and practitioners; Prof. Dewasiri N. Jayantha, Professor in Finance, Department of Accountancy and Finance, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Prof. Nalin Abeysekera, Dean – Faculty of Management Studies, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Dr. Dinuka Pattikiriarachchi, Director/Group Chief People Officer, LAUGFS Holdings Ltd and Dr. Rohan Fernando, Director – Aitken Spence PLC/Managing Director – Aitken Spence Plantation Management and Elpitiya Plantations PLC.
Inauguration of the DBA Colombo Alumni Association
The DBA Colombo Alumni Association which was inaugurated on 30th January 2025 was graced by a large, distinguished gathering representing the academic and industry community, DBA graduates and doctoral students. Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo was the Chief Guest at the event. Inaugural Alumni President, Dr. Lasantha Wickremesooriya unveiled the strategy of the association, where the strategic intent was to pursue “promoting and leading the future of industry focused research debates and dialogues by bringing together multiple stakeholders”. Professor Nihal Hennayake, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Finance, Professor B. Nishantha, Coordinator of the Postgraduate and Mid-Career Development Unit, Professor Tharusha Gooneratne, DBA Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director at Hayleys Advantis Limited and Advisor to the DBA Colombo Alumni Association also addressed the gathering. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Anusha Liyanage, Secretary of the Alumni Association.
Residential Workshop DBA 2022/25
A Residential Workshop for the students of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 2022/2025 batch of the Faculty of Management & Finance, University of Colombo, was held on 12th and 13th October 2024 at Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort. Prof. Nihal Hennayake, Dean, Faculty of Management & Finance, and Prof. B. Nishantha, Unit Coordinator, Postgraduate and Mid-career Development Unit participated in the event and made guest speeches. Prof. Arosha Adikaram, Prof. Maduka Udunuwara and Prof. Tharusha Gooneratne facilitated sessions for students regarding the next stages of their research.
Inauguration Ceremony and Information Session of the 2024/27 intake of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree Programme
The Inauguration Ceremony and Information Session of the 2024/27 intake of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree Programme was held on 24th August 2024 at the Faculty of Management & Finance, University of Colombo.
Senior Prof. (Chair) H. D. Karunaratne, Vice-Chancellor – University of Colombo attended this event as the Chief Guest. The other attendees were Prof. Nihal Hennayake, Dean – Faculty of Management & Finance, Prof. B. Nishantha, Unit Coordinator – Postgraduate and Mid-Career Development Unit, Prof. Tharusha Gooneratne, Coordinator – Doctor of Business Administration Degree Programme, Ms. Manuja Dannangoda – Deputy Registrar of the Faculty, academic staff members and the new batch of students.
The inauguration ceremony was followed by an information session by the Programme Coordinator and an experience sharing session by Dr. Anusha Liyanage, a DBA graduate.
Residential Workshop DBA 2021/24
A Residential Workshop for the students of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 2021/2024 batch of the Faculty of Management & Finance, University of Colombo, was held on 27th and 28th January 2024 at Sentido Heritance Negombo. Senior Prof. H. D. Karunaratne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Prof. Nihal Hennayake, Dean, Faculty of Management & Finance, and Prof. B. Nishantha, Unit Coordinator of the Postgraduate and Mid-career Development Unit participated in the event and made guest speeches. Prof. Arosha Adikaram, Prof. Maduka Udunuwara and Prof. Tharusha Gooneratne facilitated sessions for the students.