PIM commences revamped Ph.D. program

Tuesday, 4 November 2014 02:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

PIM, the nation’s school of business and pioneer in postgraduate education in the country, commenced its revamped Ph.D. program recently. Professor Ranjith Senaratne, Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission, who delivered the key note address, pointed out that PIM is the benchmark of Sri Lankan postgraduate education and the only institute among the government education institutes which has gained self-sufficiency in its all inputs. He further stated that PIM is providing the key fundamentals necessary for providing an academic and intellectually stimulating ambience.

At the inaugural session Dr. Ajantha S. Dharmasiri, Acting Director, PIM, welcoming the students, expressed his views as to why the PIM has initiated the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Since its inception the institute has been conducting its own doctoral programs, conforming to very high standards in its conduct. Although the successful candidates would, for certain, gain in-depth knowledge in areas of relevance through research in a specific area of study, its ultimate objective is, and should be to acquire and share newly acquired knowledge for the benefit of the larger community. He wished that the new students would have an enriching experience in working with the faculty in their new endeavour. Professor J.A.S.K. Jayakody, Head, PIM’s Research Centre, remarked that the Ph.D. is none other than one’s highest achievement in his/her academic life, and that the PIM is raising its bar both in eligibility and research quality in keeping with the Sri Lankan quality standards. HarenGunawardena, Doctoral Candidate, PIM, sharing his experiences, said that mental toughness to overcome obstacles, coupled with untiring effort and commitment are three hallmarks of a successful Ph.D. candidate in reaching the final destination. Professor A.T. Fonseka, Senior Faculty Member in his speech emphasised the importance of having continuous devotion and exceptional commitment to their new task. Dr. Wickrema Weerasooria, Senior Consultant proposing the vote of thanks, reminisced his postgraduate days, and said that the students who have enrolled for the Ph.D. have been wise and fortunate in selecting the PIM, as it has all the ingredients necessary for a healthy academic course of this nature.