The Department of Human Resources Management at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo (කොළඹ විශ්වවිද්යාලය | கொழும்புப் பல்கலைக்கழகம்), has officially commenced admissions for its premier Diploma in Human Resource Management (DHRM 2026–2027) programme. Ranked at Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 3 and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 5, this one-year professional qualification equips school leavers, corporate executives, and aspiring managers with comprehensive expertise in recruitment, labour law, compensation, and workplace counseling. Applications are invited for both the Onsite Programme (conducted physically on Sundays in Colombo) and the flexible Online Programme (conducted virtually on Saturdays), offering bilingual instruction in Sinhala and English mediums.
Why This Programme Matters
Human Resource Management remains one of Sri Lanka’s most versatile corporate disciplines, driving organizational strategy across manufacturing, banking, IT, and healthcare sectors. While dozens of private institutes offer certificate-level HR training, the University of Colombo’s DHRM carries peerless prestige, statutory backing, and international institutional recognition. Completing this 30-credit programme bridges the critical gap between secondary schooling and executive-grade employment. Furthermore, it functions as an essential stepping stone toward the Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management (HDHRM), postgraduate executive diplomas, and international CIPM credentials, allowing working individuals to advance without taking career breaks.
Closing date passed: this guide was written while applications were open, and the closing date in the notice was 15 October 2026. Check the official notice for any extension or the next call before you act (last reviewed 18 October 2026).
Key Programme Facts
| Awarding Institution | University of Colombo කොළඹ විශ්වවිද්යාලය | கொழும்புப் பல்கலைக்கழகம் |
|---|---|
| Administering Department | Department of Human Resources Management, Faculty of Management and Finance |
| Programme Title | Diploma in Human Resource Management (DHRM 2026–2027) |
| Qualification Framework | SLQF Level 3 / NVQ Level 5 (30 Credits across 10 Course Units) |
| Programme Duration | 1 Year (12 Months, structured across 3 Trimesters of 15 weeks each) |
| Delivery Modes & Schedule |
• Onsite Programme: Sundays (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Colombo 03 campus) • Online Programme: Saturdays (Virtual Interactive LMS Sessions) |
| Instruction Medium | Dual Medium: Sinhala Medium OR English Medium (Separate batches) |
| Total Course Fee | LKR 120,000 (Payable in three installments: Rs. 60,000 + Rs. 30,000 + Rs. 30,000) |
| Application Processing Fee | LKR 2,000 (Non-refundable deposit to People’s Bank A/C 312052500006) |
| Application Closing Deadline | 15 October 2026 |
Official Application Links & Gateways
Prospective candidates must register their candidacy through the official Faculty of Management portal and verify banking details before submission:
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Prerequisites
The Department of HRM admits candidates under recognized academic or experiential pathways approved by the Senate of the University of Colombo:
- Pathway 1 (Direct Academic Entry): A minimum of three (03) passes in any subject stream at the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination in one and the same sitting, alongside at least one (01) year of post-qualifying work experience in a public, private, or non-governmental organization.
- Pathway 2 (Ordinary Level + Industry Experience): A minimum of six (06) passes at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination in one sitting, combined with at least two (02) years of post-qualifying work experience in an administrative or business capacity.
- Pathway 3 (Foundation / Professional Certification): Completion of a recognized Certificate Course in HRM, Personnel Management, or Business Studies from an approved tertiary education institute, coupled with one (01) year of professional experience.
- Pathway 4 (Mature Student Entry): Demonstrated industry track record of over five (05) years in executive, supervisory, or entrepreneurial operations, subject to departmental board interview approval.
Eligibility Self-Assessment Decision Matrix
Verify your qualification background against the admission matrix below to select your optimal study mode:
| Candidate Background | DHRM Onsite (Sundays) | DHRM Online (Saturdays) | Recommended Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/L 3 Passes + 1 Year Office Experience | Eligible | Eligible | A/L Certificate + Service / Appointment Letter |
| A/L 3 Passes + Fresh School Leaver (No Experience) | Conditional (Interview Required) | Conditional (Interview Required) | A/L Result Sheet + Internship Proof |
| O/L 6 Passes + 2 Years Corporate Experience | Eligible | Eligible | O/L Certificate + Service Letters confirming 2 yrs |
| Outstation Candidate (Outside Western Province) | Eligible (Travel to Colombo 03) | Highly Recommended | NIC + Stable Internet Connectivity Verification |
| Government / Public Sector Employee | Eligible | Eligible | Department Head NOC or Service Confirmation |
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
-
Remit Application Processing Fee (LKR 2,000):
Deposit LKR 2,000 at any branch of People’s Bank islandwide using the official account parameters:
- Account Name: University of Colombo
- Bank & Branch: People’s Bank
- Account Number: 312052500006
- Mandatory Note: Instruct the bank teller to type your Full Name and National Identity Card (NIC) number clearly on the printed customer deposit slip.
- Digitize Supporting Records: Capture high-resolution scans of your bank receipt, educational certificates (A/L, O/L), employment service letters, and NIC.
- Access the Online Admission Form: Navigate to the official registration portal at mgmt.cmb.ac.lk/dhrm and select your desired batch (Onsite Colombo Campus or Online Distance LMS).
- Complete Academic Profile & Document Upload: Fill in personal details, select language medium (Sinhala or English), and upload clear image/PDF files of the bank slip and credentials.
- Form Submission & Receipt Safeguarding: Submit the application before 15 October 2026. Keep the original physical bank deposit voucher safely; you must present it during registration verification.
Required Documents Checklist
- Original People’s Bank deposit slip verifying LKR 2,000 application fee payment.
- Clear copy of National Identity Card (NIC), Postal Identity Card, or Passport.
- Certified copies of G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination certificate or official results printout.
- Certified copies of G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination certificate (mandatory for Pathway 2 applicants).
- Official Employer Service Letters verifying qualifying work experience on formal company letterhead.
- Certified copies of professional diplomas or vocational foundation certificates (if applying under Pathway 3).
- Two recent passport-size color photographs (white background, required at final enrollment).
Where and How to Submit
Applications must be lodged through the university’s online admission system. Offline applications submitted without digital registry will not be processed. For applicants needing computer or scanning access, regional community telecentres (Nanasala) and municipal libraries offer public submission terminals.
Department of Human Resources Management Contact & Secretariat:
Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: 011 255 2364 / 077 307 3286
Email: dhrm@hrm.cmb.ac.lk | Website: mgmt.cmb.ac.lk/dhrm
Important Dates & Academic Milestones
| Academic Event / Milestone | Scheduled Date | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Call for Applications Released | September 2026 | Portal open for online submissions |
| Application Closing Deadline | 15 October 2026 | Final date to pay fee and submit forms |
| Candidate Shortlisting & Verification | Late October 2026 | Scrutiny of academic and service credentials |
| Enrollment & 1st Installment Remittance | November 2026 | Payment of Rs. 60,000 initial course fee |
| Programme Inauguration & Orientation | December 2026 / January 2027 | Commencement of Trimester 1 academic sessions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the fee structure and installment plan for DHRM?
The total tuition investment is LKR 120,000, payable in three separate installments. The first installment of LKR 60,000 must be settled before academic commencement. The second installment of LKR 30,000 is due prior to Trimester 2, and the final installment of LKR 30,000 is due prior to Trimester 3.
2. How does the Online Programme differ from the Onsite Programme?
Both programmes follow the identical 30-credit curriculum and confer the exact same University of Colombo diploma certificate. The Onsite Programme conducts face-to-face weekend lectures at the Colombo 03 campus on Sundays, while the Online Programme conducts live interactive lectures via the university LMS on Saturdays.
3. Is the 80% lecture attendance requirement strictly enforced?
Yes. The university coordinator audits attendance for every session. Students failing to achieve at least 80% attendance in a course unit will be barred from sitting for the end-trimester written examinations.
4. Can DHRM diploma holders progress into a Degree or Master’s programme?
Yes. Graduating with DHRM establishes SLQF Level 3 eligibility for direct entry into the University of Colombo’s Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management (HDHRM – SLQF Level 4), creating an accelerated route toward the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and subsequent postgraduate study.
Common Application Pitfalls & Troubleshooting
Crucial Warnings to Ensure Valid Registration:
- Omission of NIC on Bank Vouchers: Never deposit funds without having the teller record your National Identity Card number on the official printed receipt. Hand-annotated slips may fail automated university auditing.
- Wrong Bank Account Number: The designated DHRM collection account at People’s Bank is 312052500006. Do not deposit funds into other University of Colombo general accounts or Faculty of Arts accounts.
- Uncertified Experience Letters: Applicants claiming eligibility under work experience pathways must furnish signed service letters on official company letterheads bearing the employer’s seal. Informal appointment emails will be rejected.
- Email Address Accuracy: Admission notices, interview schedules, and LMS login credentials are sent exclusively via email. Ensure your email address is spelled accurately and check your inbox spam folder regularly.
Primary Official Sources & Verification
- University of Colombo – DHRM Official Programme Portal
- Faculty of Management and Finance DHRM Intake Announcement
- Department of Human Resources Management Curriculum Guide
- University of Colombo Faculty of Management & Finance Official Website
Disclaimer: BrightNook (brightnook.lk) is an independent public education and career advisory platform in Sri Lanka. This guide is compiled strictly for public informational convenience based on official notices issued by the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo. Application regulations, fees, and lecture modalities are governed entirely by the university senate. Always verify particulars and remit payments exclusively through official banking channels authorized by the University of Colombo (mgmt.cmb.ac.lk).
