Oxford College of Business (OCB) has been recognised at the Satynmag Women-Friendly Workplace Awards 2026 for Advancing Women’s Representation in Leadership, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to creating a workplace where women are not only represented, but are given meaningful opportunities to progress, influence decisions, and lead.

Now in its sixth year, the Satynmag Women-Friendly Workplace Awards have evolved alongside the wider conversation on women in the workplace in Sri Lanka. The 2026 edition placed particular emphasis on whether organisational policies translate into genuine career progression, leadership opportunities, flexibility without disadvantage, and long-term professional growth for women.

For Oxford College of Business, the recognition reflects a people philosophy that views women’s advancement as an integral part of organisational strength rather than a standalone diversity initiative. Women play an important role across the institution’s academic, administrative, sustainability, human resources, student engagement, and management functions, contributing directly to strategic decision-making and institutional development.

The award also speaks to an important shift in how progressive workplaces are increasingly being assessed. As Satynmag notes, representation alone is no longer sufficient; the more meaningful measure is whether women are able to progress into positions of greater responsibility, gain access to strategic assignments, participate in decision-making, and build sustainable careers over time.

Commenting on the recognition, Malindu Ranasinghe, Director/CEO of Oxford College of Business, said: “We are deeply honoured to be recognised for advancing women’s representation in leadership. At Oxford College of Business, we have always believed that strong institutions are built when talent is given the opportunity to rise based on ability, contribution, and potential. Our responsibility is not simply to employ women, but to create an environment where they can grow, lead, influence decisions, and build meaningful long-term careers. This recognition belongs to the women across Oxford College of Business whose leadership, professionalism, and commitment continue to shape our institution. Above all, I give glory to God for His grace and guidance throughout our journey.”

OCB’s approach extends beyond policies and numerical representation. The institution continues to focus on leadership development, career progression, inclusive decision-making, employee wellbeing, flexible work practices, and creating an organisational culture in which women can pursue professional ambition without being disadvantaged by the different stages and responsibilities of life.

This approach closely reflects the evolving standard articulated by the Satynmag Women-Friendly Workplace Awards 2026, which considers whether flexibility genuinely supports progression, whether women have access to leadership pathways, and whether workplace structures enable women to remain visible, trusted, and included in areas where important decisions are made.

Mrs. Lakshika De Silva, Director – Human Resources at Oxford College of Business, added: “Advancing women in leadership requires more than policies; it requires intentional systems, fair opportunities, and a culture that recognises potential. At Oxford College of Business, we continuously look at how women experience the workplace throughout their career journey — from recruitment and development to promotion, leadership, flexibility, and wellbeing. This recognition encourages us to continue strengthening those pathways and ensuring that women are able to progress with confidence and purpose.”

The recognition also reinforces Oxford College of Business’s broader belief that inclusive leadership contributes directly to organisational resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation. By ensuring that women are represented in positions where strategy is shaped and decisions are made, Oxford College of Business seeks to build a richer diversity of perspectives into the way the institution evolves.

For the Satynmag Women-Friendly Workplace Awards, the future of a genuinely women-friendly organisation is increasingly defined not simply by how many women work within it, but by how far they are able to go. That principle resonates strongly with Oxford College of Business’s own approach to talent and leadership.

As Oxford College of Business continues to grow, the institution remains committed to creating an environment in which women have the opportunity, support, visibility, and trust required to lead at every level — ensuring that inclusion translates into progression, and representation into meaningful influence.

Corporate Communications
Oxford College of Business