The Department of Finance of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies of the University of Kelaniya commemorated its 15th anniversary by ringing the Market Opening Bell on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) trading floor this Wednesday (24th June 2026), marking its years of contribution to fostering successive generations of Sri Lankan financial specialists, investment professional and corporates.
The Department of Finance of the University of Kelaniya, established in 2011 as the universities dedicated department to capitalize upon the success of the Bachelor of Business Management (Honours) Degree in Finance in 2004 and the Finance Unit in 2008.
Over the course of the past fifteen years the Department has achieved several milestones in cultivating the academic and corporate world of finance.
In 2013 the Department launched the Student Research Symposium (SRS) to foster up-and-coming researchers and a strong research culture, and ‘Investment Week’ in collaboration with the Finance Students’ Association.
Growth continued into 2024 with a structured student mentoring program, followed by landmark achievements in 2025 including a strategic partnership with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to boost national financial literacy and the launch of specialized short courses in Professional Investment Analysis Programme (PIAP), offered in collaboration with KPMG Sri Lanka and Professional Fund Management Programme (PFMP), conducted with First Capital Asset Management Limited.
Head of the Department of Finance of the University of Kelaniya Dr. Ruwan Wijesinghe remarked “As the bell marks the opening of new opportunities in the capital market, it also symbolizes our enduring commitment to advancing financial literacy, fostering informed investment decisions, and developing ethical finance professionals who contribute to sustainable economic development.”
CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike, who gave the opening address congratulated the Department, remarking "We believe that a vibrant capital market depends on knowledgeable, ethical professionals, and in this regard, the Department has been a partner in nurturing talent that supports Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem.”
Picture: Prof. Ruwani Fernando, Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya; Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO, CSE, Dr. S.C. Thushara, Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya; Dr. Ruwan Wijesinghe, Head of the Department, Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya; Prof. Narada Fernando, Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya; Prof. Ruwan Abeysekera, Department of Finance, University of Kelaniya; Sen. Prof. Susima Weligamage.
Latest News
Sunshine Healthcare, Zydus Lifesciences launch pharma JV sans govt buy-back guarantee
Two boys rescued from Venezuela earthquake rubble after days
Ogura wins maiden MotoGP race after Bezzecchi crash
Rice set for England start against DR Congo
Ben Stokes announces retirement
Trump’s Board of Peace plans to grant itself sweeping immunity
Annecy awards: ‘The Violinist’ tops festival
Nolan told Coogler IMAX shoot was ‘Not Crazy’
How Russell's quick thinking produced unexpected pole
Russell claims controversial pole after Verstappen crash
