The open day of the Diploma in Strategic Brand Management (DSBM), the first and only diploma in Sri Lanka for branding, was organised by Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) recently, ahead of its sixth intake.

A large number of marketers and non-marketers with an interest in the field of branding attended the open day held at SLIM Business School in Colombo. The participants were given important information about DSBM, the benefits of studying with SLIM and the importance of branding in the fast evolving world of marketing by the academic staff of SLIM.

DSBM is a unique programmeme of study which offers prospective students and practitioners of branding an opportunity to learn and apply sound conceptual learning to their business situations. It is a 12-month part-time programme which will give students brand management competencies from multiple dimensions.

The DSBM is suitable for marketing and brands career-minded candidates seeking to acquire specific competencies to differentiate themselves from the rest. This programme would appeal to those who are already in marketing, advertising or brand development intending to enhance their skills in brand management.
Completion of this programme would provide a sound knowledge on theories and applications of brand management from functional level to strategic level in a brand building process through live assignments. Students will comprehend the essential competencies of brand building process and managing brand equity in their career.

Commenting about the occasion SLIM President Ruwan Liyanagamage stated, “The power of global brands transcends geographical barriers. These brands are valued at billions of dollars and enjoy the unwavering loyalty of their consumers. I wish the students of DSBM all success and hope that they will one day contribute towards the creation of such global brands in Sri Lanka.”

Seylan Bank PLC DGM and SLIM Past President Tilan Wijeyesekera attended as the guest speaker of the event. Wijeyesekera is a dynamic professional with vast experience in leading local and multinational organisations in diverse industries such as FMCG, banking, insurance, education and financial consultancy. 

In his lecture at the event he talked about branding which is about harnessing, generating, influencing and controlling the associations and perceptions in people’s minds of a certain brand in order to help that brand perform better. Brands under his leadership have received several Brand Excellence, Brand Icon and Business Excellence awards over the years and he firmly believes that branding is going to assume even more prominence in the future on the world stage. Therefore he said it is heartening to see such an interest in this field locally.

SLIM Secretary Pradeep Edward welcomed the gathering, “We are delighted to have you here to participate on this special day and hope you will take maximum advantage of this programme and follow DSBM which would give you the ability to manage practical branding exercises in different contexts.” 
SLIM CEO/Executive Director Sanath Senanayake, “This is the only qualification in Sri Lanka for branding coupled with practical aspects and maintains international quality standards of the course which ensures that students are provided with the most relevant and up to date education. This is in addition to the recognition and acceptance associated with any diploma offered by the national body for marketing.”