The Department of Marketing Management at the University of Kelaniya celebrated a significant milestone on March 7, 2025, with the inauguration of the Diploma in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 2025 batch. This year’s ceremony was particularly momentous, celebrating the enrollment of the 5th external and 10th internal batch while also commemorating the program’s 10th anniversary. Held at the faculty’s auditorium in a hybrid format, the event brought together of over 200 attendees, both in person and virtually via Zoom.

Since its inception in 2015, the Diploma in ERP has been a pioneering program under the ERP Learning Hub of the Department of Marketing Management (DMM), making it the first and only ERP diploma introduced by a state university in South Asia. Designed to bridge the gap between business knowledge and technology, the program equips students with industry-relevant skills through a curriculum developed in partnership with the SAP University Alliance Programme. Recognized for its strong industry focus, the diploma has evolved significantly, expanding into online learning in 2021 to reach students across Sri Lanka and beyond. Strengthening this initiative, Rizing—formerly Attune Lanka Ltd.—has played a key role in shaping the program by contributing to curriculum development, industry alignment, and student training. Their support, including internships and mentorship, has been instrumental in ensuring graduates are well-prepared to thrive in today’s digital-driven business landscape.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Mass Savanaghan, Global Talent Development Lead at Rizing Consumer Industries, as the keynote speaker and the Guest of Honor. Also in attendance were Dr. Sugeeth Patabendige, Head of the Department of Marketing Management, Ms. Shanika Wijenayake, Director of the ERP Learning Hub, and Ms. Isuri Udara, Coordinator of the Diploma in ERP. Several other esteemed industry partners including Mr Sujith Jayasekara, Mr. Pubudu Hettige, Mr. Bilial Rezza, Mr. Manoj Karunarathna, and Mr. Akila Kumar, joined the celebration alongside faculty members and students of the 2025 batch.

To commemorate the program’s 10th anniversary, the department honored individuals and industry partners who have played a vital role in its success. A special Strategic Partnership Award was presented to Rizing Lanka in recognition of its decade-long collaboration and unwavering support, which has significantly shaped the program’s growth and impact. Additionally, key contributors were recognized for their dedication, including Mr. Sujith Jayasekara, People Lead - Professional Services at Rizing Consumer Industries, for his pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of the program since its inception. Mr. Manoj Karunarathne, Senior Director - Data Center & Cloud Services Centre of Excellence at IFS, was honored for his contributions as a resource person over the past five years, while Mr. Akila Sajith Kumar, Director of Skewd and Chief Operating Officer at Digitus Tec Pvt Ltd, was acknowledged for his continued support as a resource person.

Over the past decade, the Diploma in ERP has continued to evolve, providing students with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in an ever-changing business environment. The Department of Marketing Management extends its deepest gratitude to past students, faculty, and industry partners for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in the program’s success. As the department looks to the future, ongoing innovations, strengthened industry partnerships, and an expanding global reach promise even greater achievements in ERP education, reinforcing the university’s leadership in the field.