“ICBI 2016”
“International Conference on Business and Information 2016” the annual research conference organized by the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya was recently held at Pegasus Reef Hotel, Wattala under the theme of “Triumphing Business Excellence through Knowledge Exploration” In parallel to the ICBI 2016, the ‘Students’ International Conference on Business 2016’ (SICB 2016) was conducted at the University premises on 18th of November 2016 for the fourth consecutive time. The theme of SICB 2016 has been set as “Envisioning Youth Dynamism”. These conferences opened up an excellent opportunity for the student researchers, academics and professional scholars to present their research papers. All paper submissions were subjected to blind review process through an evaluation board consisting with local and international experts. Nearly 150 of research papers were published in the conference proceedings under several tracks including Accounting and Finance, Information and Communication Technology, General Management, Human Resources Management, Marketing Management, Economics, Education and Environment Management. The selected best papers at the conference will be published in refereed journals.
The event was graced by the chief guest Senior Prof. M.J.S. Wijeratne (Chairman of Research Council of University of Kelaniya), Prof. D.M. Semasinghe ( Conference Chair and Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya), Dr. W.V.A.D. Karunaratne (Conference Co-Chair and Head/Senior Lecturer, Department of Accountancy), Dr. D.K.Yapa Abeywardhana (Conference Secretary-ICBI, and Director of Center for Management Research and Senior Lecturer, Department of Accountancy) and Dr. M.R.K.N. Yatigammana (Conference Secretary-SICB and Senior Lecturer, Department of Commerce and Financial Management).
Keynote address of SICB was delivered by Professor Kennedy D. Gunawardhana , University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Keynote speech emphasizes the need and strategies of how to conduct cross-boarder researches in modern dynamic aca- demic and business settings.
“At present stage, the development of the productive forces is attended by an expansion in the sphere of exchange between man and nature. The application of the achievements of modern science and technology considerable raised the efficiency of the means of production, moreover a new correlation has emerged between the rates of the growth of their cost, with the rate of growth of productivity tending to be ahead of the rate of growth of the cost of the equipment used. This new correlation enhances the importance of economic development through intensification when production growth is achieved to so mush by way increases of labor and capital as through the more intensive utilization of both, In this connection important changes are taking place in the industrial structure and in the economy as a whole, greater efficiency of the means of production reduces capital investment requirements and the consumption of material” said Prof. Gunawardhana by his keynote speech.
“SICB 2016 provides a platform to undergraduates and postgraduates to share their research results and get a constructive feedback to improve further. It also deepens the young researchers’ analytical, problem solving and critical thinking abilities. Thus the initiation of the faculty by introducing the student conference will put forward a strong forum which will also help to inculcate a research culture among the undergraduates” added Dr. Karunaratne.
Prof. David Dickinson, University of Birmingham delivered the keynote speech on International Capital Markets and China: Liberalisation, Growth and Risk. In his keynote speech he highlighted the impact of China markets on the Asia pacific Region and specifically to Sri Lanka. Further Prof. Dickinson stated by his speech that “the emergence of China as a global manufacturing powerhouse has been the most striking economic feature of the last 25 years. The broad consensus is that large increases in the capital stock, labour re-allocation and total factor productivity growth have been the driving forces behind this extraordinary performance. In that sense there is nothing special about China except that its scale is much larger than we have observed in recent times. China continues to be the top most contributor in terms of size of revenue and number of tourist visits and Asia pacific region tops as the largest contributor in terms of tourist arrivals.” Kusala Madhushani
Premaratne
“Education should not be taken for granted, as each and every recipient of education has sponsibility in establishing peace in the world. Working for peace and reconciliation should be of utmost importance for the educated. Even though war cannot be eliminated, through education it could be avoided” said Mr. H. M. G. S. Palihakkara at the 15th Annual Awards Ceremony of Regent International College Gampaha. Mr. Palihakkara is the Former Governor for Northern Province, Sri Lanka’s Permanent representative to United Nations, Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on LLRC, Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka and represented Sri Lanka as Ambassador in many countries during his tenure as a diplomat.
Mr. Palihakkara graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the Awards Ceremony held on 19th November 2016 at the College Auditorium. Regent International College which is the ‘only’ TISSL approved school in Gampaha, is also the only Educational Institute in Sri Lanka to be certified with prestigious ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standard.
The dazzling Award Ceremony saw 169 high achiev- ers been felicitated for the year 2015/2016 for excellence in both Academic and Extra Curricular activities.
The College Dance Troupe trained by Ms. RasikaPerera and the College Choir trained by Mr. DilanSudintha added colour to the event showcasing the talents of the Regent International College students.
Master Geethsara Jayarathne and Miss. IsuriRajapaksha were recognized as Best All Rounders in Junior and Senior categories respectively, while Master VikumWeerasinghe was awarded with College colours for Scouting.
Dr. Frank Jayasinghe the Educational Consultant to the College, Founder President of The International Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL), Mr. Anura Gunasekera Managing Director and Mrs.Chrishanthi WickramaArachchi Principal of the College were among the distinguished gathering while Mrs. RuwiniPerera , the Vice Principal was the compere for the ceremony.