DR. Vashinyaa Premanand Courage. Compassion. curiosity.

At just twenty-one, Dr. Vashinyaa Premanand has accomplished what many take decades to achieve. She became the youngest Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate in the world, specialising in Behavioural Finance, and earned the title with Distinction and a GPA of 3.79 from Lincoln University College, Malaysia. Her story, however, is not just about academic records or milestones - it’s about faith, family, love, and the unyielding pursuit of purpose. Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to business leaders and educators Luckshy Premanand Shakthivel and Premanand Nadarajah, Dr. Vashinyaa’s life has been defined by early brilliance and grounded values. Her journey from a prodigious child who could read in three languages at the age of two to a respected lecturer and research advisor today is one of remarkable focus and balance. We sat down with this extraordinary young woman - accompanied, as always, by her golden retrievers Arhaan and Shoor - to talk about her journey, her inspirations, and the deeper meaning behind her success.

Words - Sachini Perera
Photos - Jagath Dharmakeerthi
Location - Hilton Colombo Residences

To begin with, could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share a little about your journey so far?

I was born in Kandy, and I believe the foundation of everything I am today was laid there - surrounded by love, learning, and values. My parents, both MBA graduates and Directors of Remokiya Lubrica (Pvt) Ltd, have been my lifelong inspiration. My mother is currently reading for her PhD in Business Administration, and watching her pursue knowledge continuously has always motivated me.
From an early age, curiosity drove me. At two, I could read in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. By three, I had created my own email ID and was fascinated by computers. At eight, I completed my G.C.E. O/L English examination with an “A” and even received the Madarata Abimanaya State Award from the Chief Minister of the Central Province. That same year, I began my Bachelor’s in Information Technology - the journey that truly shaped my future.
At nine, I became the youngest web developer in Sri Lanka and the second youngest in the world, after completing a Diploma in Web Engineering. By eleven, I had graduated with a BCS IT degree, becoming the youngest IT graduate in the world. I still remember the pride in my parents’ eyes when I received the State Appreciation Award for it.