15th of November 2023 heralded a new beginning at the Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya with Dr Sugeeth Patabendige taking over as the new head of the department. 

Dr Patabendige counts close to two decades in academia both as an educator and as an administrator. He is well-regarded for his innovative and inspirational teaching. Having been recognised globally by winning several accolades such as the CIMA Tutor of the Year 2009 and CIMA Star 2014 awards. As an administrator, he functioned as the founding director of the Center for International Relations at the University of Kelaniya, Coordinator of the World Bank Quality and Innovation Grant and the ERP/SAP Learning Hub at the Department of Marketing Management of the University of Kelaniya.

Dr Patabendige holds a PhD in Accountancy from RMIT University, Australia; a Master’s degree specialising in Economics from the University of Colombo; and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Special) Degree specialising in Finance from the same university. He is also a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK (FCMA, CGMA) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK (ACIM).

Our new head of the department is known for his diverse interest in research spanning from financial liberalisation, skills development, management control systems, and climate change adaptation and as a visionary educationalist with his many contributions to curriculum development both within the University and outside, including designing curricula and study material for CA Sri Lanka, AAT Sri Lanka, SLASSCOM, DP Education, and CMA Sri Lanka.   

Under Dr Patabendige’s leadership, the Department of Marketing Management aims to consolidate its position as the premier tertiary marketing management educator of the country, with a greater focus on futuristic technologies and learning experiences.