IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS STUDIES

WHY A LEADING CEO CHOSE SRI LANKA’S FIRST BRITISH DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AT IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS STUDIES

Q: Having spent over 25 years in the ICT sector, how have you continued to develop your knowledge and expertise?

A: The ICT sector is constantly evolving with changes in technology, business models and customer expectations making continuous learning essential to remaining relevant, competitive and effective as a leader.

Throughout my career, from Project Lead to CEO of hSenid Business Solutions, I have consistently invested in local and international executive education programmes – including those at the University of Cambridge, the Indian School of Business (ISB) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

Q: As an industry leader who also lectures on MBA programmes, what motivated you to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at this stage of your career?

A: After many years in IT and academia, I felt it was the right time to deepen my knowledge through a structured, research driven programme. I wanted to bridge my industry experience with academic research, explore real world business challenges and contribute new knowledge.

The University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) DBA offered an ideal opportunity. For me, it goes beyond academic achievement – offering a chance to evolve as a leader, challenge my thinking and use research to make a meaningful impact.

Q: What attracted you to the inaugural UWS Doctor of Business Administration programme at Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS)?

A: The university’s reputation and the quality of its programme appealed to me. Learning from experienced professionals and lecturers with strong academic and industry backgrounds makes the journey particularly valuable.

I believe peer learning is as important as learning from lecturers, and I look forward to exchanging ideas, building relationships and gaining new perspectives.

Q: Your schedule is undoubtedly demanding. How do you manage the balance between running a business, leading the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) and being a doctoral student?

A: My schedule is certainly demanding but I believe busy people find time for what matters. Continuous learning has always been part of my daily routine – so I have redirected that time towards a more structured programme.

The programme’s flexibility – including online resources and recorded lectures – also helps me keep up with my studies around professional commitments.

Q: Do you have a research topic in mind or do you expect the DBA journey to help refine your direction?

A: I began this journey with a research problem in mind, focussing on how technology and AI can address common business challenges. However, I expect the programme’s structured learning, academic guidance and peer discussions to further refine my research direction, and help me produce research that is academically relevant and practically valuable to businesses.

Q: For senior professionals who keep postponing a doctorate due to work and other commitments, what would you say?

A: I would encourage them to see continuous learning as an essential part of their professional and personal journey.

There is no perfect time or age to start learning, and we should never allow a busy schedule to become a permanent barrier.

Whenever you feel ready for a new challenge, take the first step. Learning is lifelong; and no matter how far we progress in our careers, there is always more to discover. My advice is simple: never stop learning.

Q: What would you say to someone who is currently considering joining the next intake at Imperial College?

A: Based on my experience, the programme has been a rewarding learning journey, broadening my knowledge and challenging my thinking through interactions with experienced academics and fellow professionals.

If you are considering it, invest in yourself and embrace the opportunities it can bring.

– Compiled by Prashanthi Cooray

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