New partnership launched in Sri Lanka by NIBM and University of Essex

A new partnership between the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) and the University of Essex will provide a gateway to global higher education in Sri Lanka.

A special signing ceremony at the University’s Colchester Campus attended by Essex’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Maria Fasli and NIBM Director General Dr. D. M. A. Kulasooriya helped launch the partnership.

This exclusive partnership will launch psychology programmes at NIBM in collaboration with the University, opening doors for Sri Lankan students to gain a global perspective on education and career opportunities. NIBM will be able to offer students access to top-tier education with international recognition through the partnership, bridging the gap between Sri Lanka and global education standards.

The NIBM is a cornerstone of higher education in Sri Lanka, providing students with innovative, world-class programmes that foster academic excellence. For over 57 years, NIBM has been committed to offering quality education while focusing on global collaborations. This tradition continues with the exciting new partnership with Essex, one of the most international universities in the world with a commitment to research and educational excellence.

“Significant leap forward in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector”

Dr. D. M. A. Kulasooriya said: “The University of Essex’s reputation for excellence in both teaching and research makes it an ideal partner for NIBM, which aims to provide Sri Lankan students with access to world-class education opportunities.

”This partnership represents a significant leap forward in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector. It opens the door to international programmes that are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. By collaborating with one of the UK’s leading universities, NIBM reaffirms its commitment to offering high-quality, globally recognized education that empowers students to achieve their personal and professional goals in Sri Lanka.

“As this partnership develops, students at NIBM will have more access to global academic networks, research opportunities, and career pathways, ultimately contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka's higher education system.”

“Together with NIBM, we are laying the foundation for a long-lasting partnership that will enrich communities”

Professor Fasli said: “At the heart of this partnership is a shared ambition: to empower students in Sri Lanka with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel—whether they choose to contribute locally, explore opportunities globally, or forge their own unique paths.

“While we continue to welcome Sri Lankan students to our UK campuses, we recognise that education should not be limited by physical mobility. Instead, it should be designed to reach and empower students wherever they are.

“This signing represents a bold step forward - one that strengthens educational ties, fosters global collaboration, and creates opportunities that transcend borders.

“Together with NIBM, we are laying the foundation for a long-lasting partnership that will enrich communities, drive innovation, and inspire future generations of students and scholars.

“To everyone who has contributed to making this partnership a reality—thank you. Your dedication and belief in this collaboration are creating a legacy of opportunity and excellence. I look forward to seeing this partnership flourish in the years to come.”

The signing ceremony was attended by several prominent academics from both institutions, including Dr Gunathilake Tantirigama, Chairman of NIBM; Dr D M A Kulasooriya, Director General of NIBM; Dr Sameera Wijayasiri, Director of Innovation, Humanities and Language at NIBM; Dr Mrs Buddhima Subasinghe, Head of Student Life & Engagement at NIBM; and Mr Viran Perera, Consultant/Lecturer in psychology at NIBM.

The University of Essex delegation included Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Maria Fasli, Dr Dean of Partnerships Dr Annecy Lax, Deputy Dean of Partnerships David Briggs, Faculty of Science and Health Director of Partnerships Dr Maria Kyropoulou, Faculty of Arts and Humanities Director of Partnerships Dr Konstantinos Kalliris, Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Prithwiraj Nath, Head of the Department of Psychology Professor Silke Paulmann, Link Academic for Psychology Dr Maria-Laura Filipetti, Senior Partnerships Manager Rachel Frost, and Partnerships Manager - Development & Oversight Wendy Brown.

NIBM's vision

NIBM is committed to promoting transnational education (TNE) opportunities by giving students access to academic programmes, degrees, and qualifications from international institutions while studying locally. By collaborating with renowned global universities, such as the University of Essex, NIBM is expanding its portfolio of internationally recognised programmes. These opportunities enable students to gain exposure to global standards of education without leaving Sri Lanka, making higher education more accessible and flexible. NIBM’s focus enriches the academic offer in Sri Lanka and empowers Sri Lankan students to enter the global workforce with qualifications that are recognized worldwide.