University of the West of Scotland and Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) have marked a significant milestone in their partnership with the agreement to deliver the first UK Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) qualification in Sri Lanka, with the first cohort of students starting in September. 

The collaboration was celebrated at a special event in Colombo, bringing together senior representatives from UWS and ICBS, distinguished guests, alumni, academic colleagues and industry partners. The event included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising the partnership between UWS and ICBS to deliver a prestigious UK doctoral qualification in Sri Lanka for the first time. 

The agreement reflects the strength of the relationship between UWS and ICBS and represents an important step forward in expanding access to high-quality, internationally recognised education opportunities in the region. 

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “This partnership represents an important milestone for both institutions and demonstrates the strength of our shared commitment to providing transformational educational experiences. The introduction of the first-ever UK Doctor of Business Administration in Sri Lanka reflects our ambition to develop pioneering global partnerships that create lasting impact for students, professionals and communities. 

“The Doctor of Business Administration programme aligns with UWS’s Strategy 2030 ambitions and reflects the University’s values of partnership, innovation and widening participation to high-quality education. It also addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: quality education and Goal 17: partnership for the goals. We are delighted that our partnership with ICBS further strengthens international links between Scotland and Sri Lanka and supports the development of future business leaders through globally connected education.” 

The introduction of the first-ever UK Doctor of Business Administration in Sri Lanka reflects our ambition to develop pioneering global partnerships that create lasting impact for students, professionals and communities.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

The event was attended by distinguished guests including Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Orlando Edwards, Country Director for Sri Lanka at the British Council, alongside ICBS leadership, corporate partners, academic colleagues and UWS and ICBS alumni. 

Pravinth Rajaratnam, Director at Imperial College of Business Studies, said: “Our partnership with UWS has been incredibly successful for ICBS and for higher education as a whole in Sri Lanka. Bringing the first UK Doctor of Business Administration qualification to the country creates an exciting opportunity to access world-class doctoral education locally. We are proud to work alongside UWS to support the development of future leaders and contribute to the continued growth and success of Sri Lanka’s economy and higher education landscape.” 

Our partnership with UWS has been incredibly successful for ICBS and for higher education as a whole in Sri Lanka.

Pravinth Rajaratnam, Director at ICBS

A number of potential DBA candidates, representatives from ICBS corporate partners, academic staff and invited guests attended the celebration, recognising the importance of this new opportunity for Sri Lankan professionals seeking internationally recognised doctoral-level business education.