Faculty of Postgraduate Studies & Professional Advancement

My father served as a nonacademic staff member of University of Sri Jayawardenapura for 37 long years, and from the time I can remember, he would always urge me to ‘Do a PhD one day’ always adding that ‘It makes you a complete man.’ I inquired why he said this when I came of age: and all he cryptically told me was, ‘Do it - then you will understand.’I took on my PhD studies after much thought and consideration. I knew it would be hugely demanding on my time: and being able to make the PhD a priority whilst running my consulting practice was going to be a challenge. However, having spoken to the team at NSBM, I garnered enough confidence to embark on the journey: and enrolled as one of the students of the inaugural PhD program of NSBM.I must admit, it has been a tough journey so far: but I have always known anything worth doing was going to be challenging and demanding. Over the last year, I have been exposed to a myriad of new insights about my subject: Leadership. I have also had the fortune to be tutored under both local and international academics, enabling me to assimilate not only knowledge but also varying teaching practices, as well as a rich and deep appreciation for Research Methods (which I never quite dwelled into deeply throughout my academic studies). The rigour of the program has enabled me to appreciate the importance of process, peer support, self-study as well as supervised reiterations as part of a learning experience. The entire journey has given me a deeper and often varied insight into ‘education.’As a practitioner, the ability to oscillate between theory and practice has been richly rewarding. Whatever I have learnt, I have been able to bring to my consulting practice: making me conceptualise solutions in a more in-depth and framework-oriented approach which has enhanced my offering to my clients. It has also enabled me to look at things anew: with a fresh pair of eyes.I can heartily recommend the program: but be warned: be prepared to put in copious amounts of time towards it. The PhD is only as good as what you put into it: and unlike a master's level program where you are almost handheld through the process - here - you are very much on your own. Supervisors and the entire team at NSBM will be there to guide you through the journey: but make no mistake: YOU are the one at the helm - and the steering wheel - no one is going to steer it for you… I do hope I am able to conclude this journey before my father leaves this world (he is 82 !), place the thesis in his hands, and tell him that I finally understand what he meant when he urged me to take this journey: and confirm to him: I am a better man for it…