2026
Faculty of Management Studies
The Faculty of Management Studies was established with the inception of the university in 1995, with the mission “To produce high quality, innovative Intellectuals with creativity and discipline, develop the competencies and dedication of staff, create a conducive environment for teaching, learning, research, and dissemination of knowledge and promote co-existence with mutual respect and ethical behavior.” The Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) is one of the six faculties which operates as one of the ‘Centre of Excellence’ in management studies. It has a population of around 2500 students following undergraduate studies and a young but energetic team of about 70 members of the academic staff. The faculty offers educational programs both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels; they include Bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate degrees, and doctoral degrees offered under different sub-disciplines of management. The faculty consists of six academic departments.
ISymRU 2026 is proposed as the flagship annual interdisciplinary research symposium of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, with a clear strategic mandate to strengthen the University’s research culture while positioning it as a nationally and internationally relevant centre of knowledge production. Building on the legacy of ISymRU as a platform for rigorous scholarly exchange, the 2026 symposium is intentionally re-envisioned to respond to urgent global and national challenges, with a focused emphasis on climate change, sustainability, and the transformative role of technology. In an era marked by escalating climate risks, environmental degradation, and socio-economic vulnerability, universities have a critical responsibility to generate knowledge that is not only academically robust but also policy-relevant and socially impactful. ISymRU 2026 is designed to fulfil this responsibility by bringing together academics, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and technology experts to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
The fourth International Research Symposium on Management (IRSM) was successfully held on 27th November 2025 under the theme “Intelligent Enterprises: Merging Technology, Talent, and Transformation.” The symposium provided a platform for researchers, academics, and practitioners to share research findings and insights related to emerging trends in management and the development of intelligent enterprises. The theme highlighted the integration of technology, talent, and transformation as key elements in building intelligent organizations. Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, automation, and digital platforms were recognized for their role in enhancing efficiency, supporting real-time decision-making, and driving innovation. At the same time, the importance of skilled and adaptable human capital and the need for organizational transformation in business models, leadership, and culture were emphasized. IRSM 2025 received abstract submissions from diverse fields, including strategic management, human resource management, information systems, digital transformation, marketing, finance, innovation management, and entrepreneurship, fostering valuable academic discussions and knowledge sharing.
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Proceedings
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Technical Session Booklet
The third IRSM was held on 28th November 2024 under the theme “Strengthening Management Ecosystems for Sustainable Futures.” The symposium emphasized the importance of building adaptive, collaborative, and resilient management ecosystems by aligning internal structures, leadership, human resources, and stakeholder relationships to drive innovation, strategic agility, and sustainable value creation in a dynamic business environment. IRSM 2024 provided a platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners to share their insights, best practices, and research findings across a wide range of management disciplines. Key tracks included Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing & Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, Economics and Entrepreneurship, among others. The symposium was conducted in a hybrid format and featured a Business Forum, offering additional opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. The Keynote speakers were Prof. Chatura Ranaweera from Lazaridis, School of Business & Economics, Wierid Laurier University, Canada, and Prof. Rangika Umesh Halwatura from Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
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Proceedings
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Technical Session Booklet
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Proceedings
The second IRSM was held under the theme "From Resilience to Resistance: The Role of Digital Transformation in Business Sustainability." This symposium recognized the need for businesses to adapt to the rapidly changing world by building resilience and moving beyond it towards resistance by leveraging digital transformation for sustainable growth and success. The IRSM 2023 provided a platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners to share their insights, best practices, and research findings on business resilience, resistance, and digital transformation. The keynote speakers were Prof. Dr. Christian M. Ringle from Hamburg University of Technology, Germany; Prof. Mohammad Nurunnabi from Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia; and Dr. A.D. Nuwan Gunarathne from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
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Technical Session Booklet
As a remarkable milestone in the journey of the Faculty of Management Studies in the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, the first International Research Symposium on Management (IRSM 2022) is organized to be held on 06th October 2022 on the theme of “The BANI world: Co-creating the business resilience towards the new normal and beyond” as a hybrid event by adhering to strict healthcare guidelines during COVID-19 pandemic. IRSM 2022 is an annual event initiated to share research findings, novel concepts, and disseminate knowledge of young researchers in collaboration with diverse scholars and practitioners.
Extended abstracts invited from researchers across different management disciplines. This Symposium provided an ideal opportunity to highlight the research capability and potential of researchers, fostering collaboration between industry and academia in the 21st Century
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Proceedings
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Technical Session Booklet
The 4th National Symposium on Management, held on June 10, 2021, focused on the theme “The New Normal: Building Resilience to Keep Businesses Moving.” This event brought together leading academics, industry experts, and practitioners to explore strategies for sustaining business operations and fostering resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. The symposium featured keynote addresses by esteemed speakers Prof. Bandara Wanninayake and Dr. Jenny Cave, who shared their insights on navigating the complexities of the current business environment. Under the leadership of Symposium Chair Prof. W.P. Wijewardene, Co-chair Dr. D.M.C. Dassanayake, and Secretary Dr. JDT Madushanka, the event provided a dynamic platform for presenting cutting-edge research and innovative practices. A total of 155 abstracts were presented, highlighting the breadth and depth of research in the field of management. Participants had the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, fostering rich discussions and collaborative opportunities. The symposium underscored the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in ensuring business continuity and success in the new normal.
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Proceedings
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Technical Session Booklet
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Proceedings
The 3rd National Symposium on Management, held on August 20, 2020, centered around the theme “Wisdom for Sustainability: Youth Engagement through Research and Innovation.” This symposium aimed to inspire and empower young researchers to contribute to sustainable development through innovative research and active engagement. The event featured a keynote address by the distinguished Prof. Arosha S. Adikaram, who provided valuable insights into the role of youth in driving sustainable practices and innovation. Under the guidance of Symposium Chair Prof. W.P. Wijewardene, Co-chair Dr. (Ms.) C.M.Y.S.S. Bandera, and Secretary Dr. K.V. Aruna Shantha, the symposium facilitated a vibrant exchange of ideas and knowledge. A total of 127 abstracts were presented, showcasing a wide array of research topics and innovative approaches in the field of management. The symposium served as a crucial platform for young researchers to share their findings, network with peers, and engage with experienced scholars and industry experts. This event highlighted the critical importance of youth involvement in achieving sustainable futures and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation
The symposium held on September 7, 2018, under the theme “Inspiring Research for Knowledge Creation in Management” was a pivotal event aimed at fostering innovation and scholarly exploration in the field of management. The distinguished keynote speaker, Prof. (Mrs) R. Lalitha S. Fernando, delivered an enlightening address, inspiring participants to embark on rigorous research endeavors that contribute to the creation of new knowledge in management practices. Led by Symposium Chair Prof. K.G.A. Udayakumara and Co-chair Dr. J. Krishanthi Mallika, with the invaluable support of Secretary Mr. T.K.G. Sameera, the symposium provided a collaborative platform for presenting and discussing 68 abstracts that showcased diverse perspectives and insights across various management disciplines. Participants engaged in lively discussions, exchanging ideas and forging new connections that are vital for advancing research and fostering academic growth. The event underscored the importance of continuous learning and innovation in driving excellence in management studies. The symposium not only highlighted current research trends but also laid the foundation for future collaborations and advancements in the field, reflecting a commitment to excellence and knowledge creation in management.
Date: 2nd June 2017
Theme: “Exploring Business Insights”.
Keynote Speaker: Prof. Ananda J. Patabendige
Symposium Chair: Prof. KGA Udayakumara,
Co-chair: Dr. HMBP Ranaweera
Secretary: Dr. (Mrs.) CT Gamage
No. of Abstracts Presented: 30 published
Prof. WHMS Samarathunga
Dr. NHK Cooray
Dr. SNS Dahanayake
Ms. HMRD Kularathne
Mr. TUS Senarath
Prof. CMYSS Bandara
Mr. VGN Sameera
Mr. GSR Gunathunga
Mr. RMGHN Rathnayake
Mr. JMN Wijekumara
Dr. YMWGPK Udurawana
Mr. KTLUS Dayangana
Mr. HMUS Hendeniya
Ms. KAKS Rathnakara
Mr. JAPM Jayasinghe
Mr. KMPGAJ Bandara
Mr. AADP Bandara
Prof. JS Kumari
"The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support."
| INTERNATIONAL | ||
| DESCRIPTION | NORMAL CHARGE | EARLYBIRD CHARGE |
| SAARC Scholars | 20 USD | 15 USD |
| SAARC Scholars (Online Participants) | 10 USD | 05 USD |
| Non - SAARC Scholars | 30 USD | 25 USD |
| Non - SAARC Scholars (Online Participants) | 20 USD | 15 USD |
| Sri Lankan - Individuals | ||
| DESCRIPTION | NORMAL CHARGE | EARLYBIRD CHARGE |
| Registration | LKR 5000 | LKR 4500 |
| Associate Partner Registration | LKR 4000 | LKR 3500 |
| Student Registration | LKR 3000 | LKR 2500 |
| Participant (Non Presenters) | LKR 2000 | LKR 1500 |
