Ganeachchi Pathirannahalage Shanika Prasadini Jayathilaka has bagged Asia's Distinguished Doctoral Scholar in Business Administration Award

Shanika Jayathilaka is a distinguished Doctoral Scholar in Business Administration at the University of Lincoln, Malaysia (Local campus-Cambridge College of Business Management, Sri Lanka) and a proud alumna of Holy Cross College, Gampaha, Sri Lanka where she completed her primary and secondary education. Her journey reflects an exceptional blend of healthcare expertise, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial leadership

Guided by her early ambition to serve humanity, she pursued her undergraduate studies in Audiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka specializing in hearing and balance disorders. She went on to serve as an Audiologist in several leading hospitals in Colombo, offering her expertise to patients in need.

Her pioneering research, “Determination of Hearing Status of Bus Drivers and Conductors in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka”, earned her the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan Audiologist invited to present at the 33rd World Congress of Audiology in Vancouver, Canada in 2016. Continuing her contribution to the global audiology field, her subsequent study has been selected for presentation at the 36th World Congress of Audiology in Paris, France in 2024.

Recognizing the psychological dimensions of patients with hearing and balance disorders, she further pursued a Diploma in Counseling and Psychotherapy to enhance her holistic care approach.

Parallel to her healthcare journey, she completed her Master of Business Administration from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK (Local campus-ICBT Campus, Colombo), graduating with the Academic Excellence Award as the top performer of her batch.

She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Lincoln, Malaysia ((Local campus-Cambridge College of Business Management, Sri Lanka)). Having successfully completed the first phase and she is now immersed in the research phase of her doctoral journey. Her study, titled 'Determinants of Business Factors Affecting Organizational Performance of Traditional Coconut Oil Manufacturers in the Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka,' is a pioneering exploration into the dynamics shaping one of Sri Lanka’s traditional industries. Through this research, she not only contributes to academic scholarship but also aspires to generate practical insights that can enhance organizational performance, strengthen entrepreneurial resilience, and support the sustainable development of the traditional local coconut oil industry, thereby uplifting both industry stakeholders and the broader community

Additionally, she has held the position of Secretary for the Lanka Association of Audiology and is a member of the Canadian Association of Audiology(CAA) as well as the International Society of Audiology(ISA), reflecting her commitment to advancing the field both locally and globally.

In addition to her academic and professional milestones, she has taken bold steps into the entrepreneurial world. As a second-generation leader, she contributes as one of the Directors of her family-owned company established in 1975. Malaka Coconut and Agro Business (Pvt) Ltd is a long-established company engaged in the manufacturing, distribution, and export of high-quality coconut-based products and raw materials along with coconut cultivation in fertile coconut plantations in coconut triangle Sri Lanka. Over the past 50 years, the company has become a trusted name in the coconut oil industry, specializing in traditional pure coconut oil, white coconut oil, and virgin coconut oil for both local and international markets. In 2022, the company proudly held a 9% market share in Sri Lanka’s traditional pure coconut oil segment. Malaka Virgin Coconut Oil Plant was established in 2012, producing 100% pure Ceylon Virgin Coconut Oil for bulk supply and exports. The company supplies a diverse range of products, by-products, and raw materials derived from coconuts. These include copra, DC coconut, fresh coconuts, coconut kernels, oil cake, coir fiber, coconut husks, husk chips, coco pith, coconut shells, and charcoal, among others. Each of these products serves as an essential input for various industries, such as food processing, livestock feed, agriculture, energy production, and the fiber and coir sector. Committed to maintaining authenticity, the company strictly upholds quality control standards, ensuring oils remain pure and uncontaminated by substitutes such as RBD, palm, or sediment oils. Today, Malaka Coconut and Agro Business is a certified manufacturer under the Coconut Development Authority of Sri Lanka, supported by a dedicated workforce of more than 70 employees striving toward one vision: delivering premium, authentic, and affordable coconut-based products.

In addition to leading her family business, she serves as the Director of MR Motor Hub (Pvt) Ltd, Chilaw, Sri Lanka, established in 2022, providing comprehensive vehicle repair and maintenance services while upholding the highest industry standards. In 2024, she launched her new brand, Rainbows & Unicorns, Sri Lanka, a children’s clothing brand offering high-quality, unique, and customized designs that combine creativity, comfort, and style, catering to the modern needs of kids and parents alike. Together, the group of companies employs over 90 dedicated employees, reflecting a commitment not only to business excellence but also to social responsibility, by generating job prospects and empowering the local community. Her journey stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and passion—bridging healthcare, research, and entrepreneurship while inspiring many in Sri Lanka and beyond.

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‘I was deeply honoured to be recognized at the Asia Awards powered by the World Research Congress, where I received two distinguished titles; Asia’s Outstanding Researcher Award and Asia’s Distinguished Doctoral Scholar in Business Administration

These accolades are more than just personal achievements; they are a celebration of years of dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for research and knowledge creation. Receiving such recognition on an international platform reaffirmed my belief that meaningful research can truly transcend boundaries, inspire change, and contribute to the advancement of both academia and industry.

Being acknowledged among Asia’s finest scholars fills me with profound gratitude and pride. It inspires me to continue pushing the frontiers of business research, contributing impactful insights, and nurturing the next generation of scholars and professionals who aspire to make a difference in the world.’-Shanika Jayathilaka