Dr. Dharma deSilva International Business Scholarship

Dharma deSilva was a Wichita State University professor and scholar who founded the World Trade Council of Wichita in 1976 and was its chair until his death in 2017. Dr. deSilva was highly regarded for his advocacy for global trade and the internationalization of business education. At Wichita State, he held appointments as director of the Center for International Business Advancement, the Rudd Foundation Distinguished Fellow and professor of international business.

A native of Sri Lanka, he had business associates and contacts around the globe. He was married to Deema deSilva, who was well known during her tenure as director of Student Support Services at Wichita State. They had three children.

The Dr. Dharma deSilva International Business Scholarship was established by officers of the World Trade Council of Wichita in recognition of Dr. deSilva’s 40 years of service to international trade and business. They hoped the scholarship would provide study abroad opportunities for international business students.