Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Postgraduate Institute of Management Annual Research Conference (PIMARC) 2025, organised by the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), concluded recently with great success. Themed “Thriving in Turbulent Times,” this year’s conference was closely aligned with the International Conference of Business Management (ICBM) 2025, the university’s flagship research event, which focused on “Tech Titans and Turmoil: Leveraging Disruptive Technologies for Sustainable Business Transformation.”
The event featured an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, with Senior Professor Pathmalal Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, serving as the Chief Guest. Professor Robert Faff from Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary, and Emeritus Professor at Bond University, Queensland, delivered the keynote address. Professor Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The conference was chaired by Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Director of PIM, along with Co-Chairs Senior Professor Ajantha Dharmasiri and Dr. Trevor Mendis.
PIMARC 2025 featured multiple research paper presentations across seven thematic streams, including two dedicated sessions for Doctoral Colloquiums. A significant highlight was the introduction of a Best Conference Paper Presenter award for each stream, assessed through a rigorous evaluation process. This new initiative not only enhanced competition but also contributed to elevating the quality of research presented.
The event concluded on a high note with a Business Forum held on 21 February 2025 at Cinnamon Lake Hotel. The forum brought together academia and corporate leaders for a thought-provoking panel discussion, following a keynote speech by Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha. A Case Study Book, showcasing research applications in the corporate world, was also launched at the event.
The distinguished panel featured experts from both academia and industry, including Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Ms. Vindya Jayasuriya, Mr. Tariq Ali, and Professor Gomika Udugamsuriya (joining online). The discussion was moderated by Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe and Professor Dushan Jayawickrama.
As PIM continues to establish itself as “The Business School for the New World,” PIMARC 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to fostering insightful research and strengthening the bridge between academic excellence and industry innovation.
