SLIIT Team Secures Global Title at International Business Plan Competition 2025 in South Korea

The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) has achieved a historic international milestone as a team of undergraduate students from the SLIIT Business School secured the World Championship at the International Business Plan Competition (IBPC) 2025, hosted by SolBridge International School of Business of Woosong University in Daejeon, South Korea. The achievement marks a defining moment for Sri Lankan business education on the global stage and positions SLIIT among the world’s leading institutions in business innovation and strategy.

Established in 2013, IBPC is a globally recognised annual competition that brings together leading universities from around the world to tackle real-world business challenges. The 2025 edition featured a rigorous multi-stage process, beginning with an international online qualifying round and culminating in the in-person global finals held from January 26 to 30, 2026, in South Korea. Universities from across Asia, Europe, and the Americas competed in what is widely regarded as one of the most demanding undergraduate business case competitions.

This year’s challenge, developed in collaboration with Lake Materials Co., Ltd., a leading Korean chemical materials manufacturer, required teams to craft a comprehensive strategy for sustainable growth from an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) perspective. Participants were tasked with analysing the company’s strategic position and proposing innovative, financially viable, and sustainable solutions aligned with global ESG standards. The case demanded not only analytical excellence but also practical implementation planning and robust financial modelling.

Amid intense global competition, Team SLIIT advanced to the Top 10 Global Finals and ultimately secured First Place, becoming the first Sri Lankan team in history to win the IBPC World Championship. Their presentation stood out for its analytical depth, innovative thinking, strategic clarity, and persuasive business modelling, earning top recognition from an international panel of judges.

The championship team was coached by Dr. Heshan Sameera Kankanam Pathiranage, Senior Lecturer at the SLIIT Business School. The student members were Mohammed Huzni Hussain, Yuthara Subasinghe, Sunera Lanerolle, and Atapattu Mudiyanselage Rashini Maleesha. Together, they demonstrated exceptional teamwork, discipline, and intellectual maturity throughout the competition.

Across its history, IBPC has featured participation from over 100 universities worldwide. This landmark victory not only elevates SLIIT’s international reputation but also signifies a breakthrough moment for Sri Lanka’s higher education sector. Competing against top-tier universities in Korea’s renowned innovation ecosystem, the SLIIT team proved that Sri Lankan students can compete and win at the highest global level.

The triumph reflects SLIIT’s continued commitment to experiential learning, global exposure, and industry-aligned education. By integrating sustainability and ESG frameworks into its business curriculum, the institution has ensured that its graduates are equipped to address contemporary global challenges with strategic insight and responsible leadership.

Dr. Heshan Sameera Kankanam Pathiranage described the win as a national achievement. “This victory is not just a win for SLIIT, it is a win for Sri Lanka. Our students demonstrated that with analytical rigour, strategic clarity, and global awareness, we can compete with the very best in the world. I am immensely proud of their discipline, resilience, and intellectual maturity throughout this journey,” he said.

Team representative Mohammed Huzni Hussain reflected on the global experience, stating that competing on an international platform was both challenging and transformative. He noted that winning the championship has strengthened the team’s confidence and reaffirmed that Sri Lankan students can lead internationally in innovation and business strategy.

Beyond institutional recognition, the achievement serves as an inspiration to Sri Lankan youth, demonstrating that global excellence is attainable through dedication, innovation, and academic rigour. As SLIIT celebrates this historic accomplishment, the victory stands as a testament to the growing impact of Sri Lankan higher education on the world stage.