The NIBM School of Business marked a significant moment as it opened the 3rd intake of the Academic Year 2025/26, celebrating five decades of shaping business education in Sri Lanka. The ceremony underscored the institute’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
A milestone year as NIBM School of Business opens its 3rd 2025/26 intake
The NIBM School of Business has inaugurated the 3rd intake of the Academic Year 2025/26 at the prestigious Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, turning the occasion into a meaningful celebration of its 50-year journey in Sri Lanka’s higher education landscape. This milestone signaled not only the beginning of another year of academic enrichment but also the continuation of a legacy rooted in rigorous learning, industry relevance, and global recognition. Students, parents, academics, and distinguished guests gathered at the BMICH to witness the opening of a new chapter for aspiring professionals entering the world of modern business studies.
The event carried special significance as it aligned with NIBM’s Golden Jubilee, a period that reflects its evolution from a national institute to a transformative force in business education. For decades, the institution has emphasized a model that blends theoretical rigor with practical immersion, helping students develop a balanced perspective that supports both academic achievement and real-world adaptability. This commitment was a central theme of the inauguration, reaffirming the institute’s ongoing dedication to developing future leaders equipped with the agility and strategic mindset required in today’s dynamic global economy.
A highlight of the ceremony was the introduction of the latest intake of internationally recognized degree programs offered through NIBM’s longstanding collaboration with Coventry University in the United Kingdom. Students joining this academic cycle will pursue degree pathways in Management and Leadership, Human Resource Management, Professional Accounting, Digital Banking and Finance, and Digital Marketing and Brand Management. These programs have been carefully curated to meet emerging industry trends, ensuring graduates step into the workforce with competencies that align with global demands.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures from the institute’s leadership. Dr. Gunathilake Tantirigama, Chairman of NIBM, delivered an address emphasizing the importance of innovation-driven education in a rapidly evolving world. He highlighted the critical role institutions like NIBM play in preparing graduates who can navigate technological growth, market disruptions, and the challenges associated with a globalized business environment. The Director General of NIBM, Mr. D.M.A. Kulasooriya, followed with remarks that paid tribute to NIBM’s longstanding heritage and the dedication of its faculty, whose expertise and mentorship continue to drive the institution’s academic stature.
Adding further insight, Mr. Kolitha Ranawaka, Director of the NIBM School of Business, discussed the school’s ongoing mission to redefine how business education is delivered. He emphasized the school’s shift toward fostering independent thinking, analytical capability, and leadership acumen, all of which contribute to developing graduates who can excel in diverse industries. Mr. Baratha Devanarayane, Head of Management and Development, extended his wishes to the new students, reiterating NIBM’s commitment to shaping graduates who not only participate in industry but also influence and elevate it.
As the institute celebrates its Golden Jubilee, the NIBM School of Business remains focused on reinforcing its position as a national leader in higher education. This milestone reflects a journey defined by consistent innovation, strategic expansion, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The school has adopted an outcome-based learning model designed to place students at the center of the academic experience, ensuring they are active participants rather than passive listeners. Its Flipped Classroom approach encourages deeper engagement, fostering a learning environment where inquiry, collaboration, and practical application are prioritized.
Technology plays a crucial role in this modernized framework. The integration of digital tools, multimedia content, and interactive platforms has enhanced both teaching and learning, making the educational experience more adaptable and relevant. Assessments are continually refined to measure not only knowledge retention but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making—key competencies for emerging business leaders.
Industry collaboration remains one of NIBM’s strongest pillars, with numerous partnerships and MoUs supporting the school’s vision for a globally competitive curriculum. These alliances create opportunities for students to gain meaningful exposure to corporate environments through internships, training programs, and industry-led projects. Such experiences ensure that graduates emerge not just academically prepared but professionally capable, ready to contribute to organizations with confidence and competence.
With its rich legacy, forward-looking strategies, and commitment to shaping the future of business education, the NIBM School of Business continues to stand as one of Sri Lanka’s most influential institutions. The inauguration of the 3rd intake for the 2025/26 academic year reaffirms its dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators, leaders, and decision-makers poised to excel in an ever-evolving global marketplace.