Global Immersion Program to Sri Lanka

The Global Immersion Program to Sri Lanka, held from 15 to 21 November 2025, was a comprehensive academic and cultural initiative organised by the School of Business & Management (BBA) in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs. The program was designed exclusively for third-year BBA students and it formed as an integral component of the CIA 4 requirement under the fifth-semester course International Business (BBA305B-5L). While some students completed their experiential learning at the Bombay Port, twenty-three students opted for the Sri Lanka immersion, accompanied by two faculty members, Ms. Devleena Banerjee and Dr. Mitra Barna. The immersion aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of international trade practices, cross-cultural communication, and global business environments. As part of the academic engagement, students also visited ANC Education, a reputed private university with collaborations across the US and UK. The session at ANC provided valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s higher education ecosystem, international academic pathways, global mobility opportunities, and the nuances of the Sri Lankan international business environment.

The immersion began with observations of civic infrastructure and public hygiene in Colombo on 16th November 2025. Students experienced first-hand how Sri Lanka’s urban spaces reflect strong civic discipline, efficient waste management, and a collective commitment to cleanliness. These observations served as a practical learning extension of classroom discussions on how civic responsibility and public governance contribute to urban development, tourism growth, and overall economic progress. The evening exploration at Pettah Market further allowed students to interact with local communities, engage in informal conversations with traders, and understand traditional business practices. Exposure to local cuisine, cultural diversity, and community-oriented social behaviour deepened their appreciation of Sri Lankan culture and enhanced their interpersonal communication skills.

A major highlight of the program was the academic and experiential engagement with the Colombo Port. Students gained comprehensive insights into Sri Lanka’s maritime trade systems, logistics operations, and strategic geopolitical relevance. Through a guided tour, museum visit, and interactions with port officers, students learned about the port’s multi-terminal structure, transshipment dominance, and its role as a significant link between Asia, Africa, and Europe. They observed high-end technologies such as Ship-to-Shore cranes, RTG and RMG systems, automated yard vehicles, and digital cargo management systems. Discussions also highlighted recent investments, especially the India-backed CWIT terminal, which demonstrates cross-border economic cooperation and the growing importance of infrastructure modernization. These observations strengthened students’ understanding of international shipping processes, port safety protocols, global trade flows, and the economic rationale behind port expansions.

The visit to ANC Education on 18th November 2025 provided students with a structured exposure to an international academic environment. Faculty at ANC conducted a session on the Sri Lankan business landscape, higher education pathways, and global mobility prospects. The selected BBA Students (Mr. Devanshu Mishra-23111318 & Mr, Manit Gupta- 23111338) also presented about CHRIST University, demonstrating their communication and representation skills. Interaction with Sri Lankan students, campus tours, and informal exchanges helped students compare academic cultures, understand student aspirations, and appreciate similarities and differences between the two countries. This engagement enhanced cultural intelligence and encouraged students to consider broader academic and professional trajectories.

The program also included a field visit at Mirissa, allowing students to examine the socio-economic impact of tourism in Sri Lanka. They observed how coastal tourism sustains local entrepreneurship, hospitality businesses, and employment opportunities. Interaction with international university professors staying at the same accommodation added a valuable dimension, offering insights into European higher education systems, research expectations, and global employability skills. The guidance shared by these professors expanded students’ perspectives on postgraduate studies and international career planning.

A visit to the Lotus Tower showcased Sri Lanka’s investment in technology infrastructure and its effort to blend innovation with public utility and tourism. This experience enabled students to understand how emerging economies balance heritage preservation with modern development. Throughout the immersion, students also improved essential soft skills such as adaptability, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and independent decision-making. Navigating a new environment helped them become more confident and culturally aware.

The program concluded with a strong appreciation for Sri Lankan hospitality, civic discipline, and social values. Students recognized how collective responsibility and community-driven behaviour contribute to a nation’s identity and global perception. Overall, the Sri Lanka Global Immersion Program successfully integrated academic learning with cultural understanding, global exposure, and practical business insights, aligning well with the department's expectations of fostering holistic, experiential, and outcome-based student development.