Colombo, Sri Lanka – July 12, 2025 — Manchester Education & Research Center (MERC), a leading Sri Lankan institution in international education, proudly announces a strategic partnership with PECB, a global authority in ISO training, certification, and personnel development. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in MERC’s ongoing commitment to empowering learners and professionals with internationally recognized qualifications.
Expanding Access to Globally Respected ISO Certifications
Under this agreement, MERC is now an Authorized Training Partner of PECB, enabling it to deliver a wide range of PECB-certified training programs in Sri Lanka and beyond. The partnership paves the way for students, professionals, and corporate clients to access globally respected ISO certifications locally, including but not limited to:
ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management
ISO 9001 – Quality Management
ISO 31000 – Risk Management
ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management
ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, and many others
Founded in 2015, MERC has steadily evolved from a small academic initiative to a reputed international education provider, offering a wide array of certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. Since introducing internationally affiliated qualifications in 2018, MERC has established itself as a hub for flexible, student-centric learning that meets global academic standards.
Personalized Support for Every Learner
What distinguishes MERC is its personalized delivery model. Every student benefits from dedicated relationship managers and academic advisors, ensuring a seamless journey from enrollment to graduation. This unique approach has made MERC the preferred choice for working professionals, entrepreneurs, and students with diverse learning goals.
“MERC’s vision is deeply rooted in making global-quality education accessible through innovation, flexibility, and personal support,” said Udari Poornima, Chief Marketing Officer and Officer-in-Charge of International Relations at MERC. “This partnership with PECB allows us to extend that vision into the domain of professional certifications—equipping individuals and organizations with globally validated expertise.”
PECB is an internationally recognized certification body known for its robust training programs aligned with ISO standards. With a presence in over 150 countries, PECB supports professionals and businesses worldwide in developing competencies across areas such as cybersecurity, quality, risk, and sustainability.
“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Manchester Education & Research Center,” said Tim Rama, CEO of PECB. “This collaboration will bring significant value to individuals and organizations across Sri Lanka by enhancing their professional competencies through globally respected ISO certifications.”
Flexible Learning Options and Corporate Training Solutions
The first series of PECB-certified training programs offered by MERC will roll out in the coming months, with both online and in-person delivery options to ensure maximum flexibility. MERC will also offer customized corporate training and group learning packages for organizations aiming to enhance internal capabilities in governance, compliance, and management systems.
As MERC continues to build meaningful academic partnerships with institutions across Malaysia, the United States, Spain, and other regions, the addition of PECB’s portfolio further strengthens its global reach and credibility. This collaboration is expected to set new benchmarks in professional development and ISO certification training within Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region.
About MERC
Manchester Education & Research Center (MERC) is a Sri Lanka-based international education institute specializing in flexible, student-centered academic pathways. MERC offers globally affiliated programs across disciplines including business, technology, healthcare, and humanities. The institution is committed to personalized learning experiences supported by professional guidance and global partnerships.
About PECB
PECB is a certification body that provides education and certification under ISO/IEC standards and other globally recognized frameworks. With an extensive network of partners and certified professionals in over 150 countries, PECB is a trusted authority for organizations and individuals seeking excellence in training, auditing, and certification services.