Oxford College of Business Triumphs with Silver Award at the 59th TAGS Awards 2024

Oxford College of Business (OCB), Sri Lanka’s premier higher education institution, has added another accolade to its growing legacy of excellence by securing the Silver Award in the Small and Medium-Sized Entities category at the 59th TAGS Awards 2024. Organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), the TAGS Awards stands as one of the most prestigious recognitions in corporate reporting, honoring organizations that demonstrate excellence in transparency, governance, accountability, and sustainability.

This recognition was bestowed upon OCB for its 2023/24 Annual Report titled "Transformation – Movements through Sustainability", which has set a benchmark for sustainability-driven reporting. The award highlights OCB’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in reporting while embedding sustainable practices at the core of its operations.

A Testament to Sustainable Leadership
The theme "Transformation – Movements through Sustainability" reflects OCB’s vision for the future—a commitment to addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities alongside delivering exceptional higher education. This annual report offers a comprehensive account of how Oxford College of Business is redefining its operational and academic practices to foster sustainability, innovation, and leadership.

Commenting on the win, Mr. Malindu Ranasinghe, Director/CEO of Oxford College of Business, expressed his gratitude: "I attribute this achievement to the dedication of our entire team and give all glory to Christ alone for guiding us toward these successes. This award not only affirms our commitment to transparency and sustainable practices but also highlights the transformative impact education can have on society and the environment."

Exemplary Corporate Reporting
The TAGS Awards 2024, hosted at the Shangri-La, Colombo, showcased the achievements of organizations from across industries in the field of corporate reporting. The panel of judges, comprising local and international experts in finance, governance, and sustainability, evaluated the entries based on their adherence to transparency, clarity, and alignment with global reporting standards.

OCB’s annual report stood out for its innovative presentation, in-depth analysis, and strategic alignment with sustainability goals. The report effectively communicated how the institution is taking measurable steps toward a net-zero future while remaining dedicated to academic excellence.

Highlights from OCB’s Award-Winning Report

1. Environmental Responsibility:
   • Implementing green campus initiatives to minimize carbon footprints.
   • Adoption of renewable energy sources and sustainable infrastructure.
2. Social Impact:
   • Community engagement programs that empower students to address societal challenges.
   • Initiatives aimed at enhancing social equity and inclusion in education.
3. Economic Sustainability:
   • Establishing partnerships with global and local organizations to align academic programs with industry needs.
   • Fostering innovation and research to drive sustainable economic growth.

These efforts reflect OCB’s belief in creating value not just for its stakeholders but for the broader society and future generations.

TAGS Awards: Recognizing Corporate Responsibility
The TAGS Awards, formerly known as the Annual Report Awards, have evolved over nearly six decades to become a symbol of corporate accountability and innovation. The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this year’s evaluation process underscores the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into the assessment framework.

Ms. Chamila Cooray, Chairperson of the TAGS Awards, noted the importance of corporate reporting in inspiring trust and confidence among stakeholders. She emphasized that the awards highlight the critical role of annual reports as narratives that reflect an organization’s values, strategies, and contributions to society.

A Legacy of Excellence
Winning the Silver Award at the TAGS Awards 2024 is a continuation of OCB’s tradition of excellence. The institution has consistently pushed boundaries, both in its academic offerings and its operational strategies, to lead the higher education sector in Sri Lanka.

Inspiring the Next Generation
OCB’s commitment to sustainability is not limited to its internal operations. The institution is actively shaping a generation of future leaders who are equipped to navigate global challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. By integrating sustainability into its curriculum, OCB ensures that its graduates are not only academically proficient but also environmentally conscious and socially responsible.

Looking Ahead
Building on this milestone, Oxford College of Business has ambitious plans for the future. The institution aims to:

• Expand its green campus initiatives to include more renewable energy projects and resource-efficient facilities.
• Strengthen its global partnerships to promote cross-border collaboration in sustainability-focused education.
• Enhance research and innovation to address pressing global challenges such as climate change and resource management.

A Message to Stakeholders
Mr. Ranasinghe extended his gratitude to OCB’s stakeholders, stating: "This achievement belongs to all of us—our students, staff, and partners—who have embraced the vision of creating a sustainable future through education. Together, we are redefining the role of higher education in shaping a better world."

The Silver Award at the TAGS Awards 2024 is more than just a recognition for Oxford College of Business. It is a validation of the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, and sustainability. As Oxford College of Business continues to set benchmarks in higher education and corporate responsibility, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for organizations across sectors to prioritize sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

For Oxford College of Business, the journey of transformation through sustainability is far from over. This achievement marks a stepping stone toward even greater contributions to society, the environment, and the global academic community.