38th Annual Conference and 4th National Apex Awards of the OPA honours excellence, fosters professional collaboration

Tuesday, 26 August 2025 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) successfully hosted its 38th Annual Conference and the prestigious 4th National Apex Awards on 19 and 20 August, at the Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The event commenced with a distinguished inaugural ceremony, graced by the Chief Guest – Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, and attended by leading figures from the professional sector.

In his welcome address, OPA President Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake, reaffirmed the OPA’s commitment to national development through professional collaboration and active engagement with the Government. He emphasised the significance of the Annual Conference, which was taking place during the 50th anniversary of the OPA, marking five decades of multidisciplinary professional unity and collective efforts toward the advancement of the nation.

This was followed by a speech by President-Elect and Annual Conference Committee Chairman Jayantha Gallehewa who elaborated on the relevance and timeliness of the conference theme, “Resilience and Outpace Redefined: Thriving and Adapting.” He stressed the crucial need for resilience and adaptability to drive Sri Lanka’s progress, particularly at this pivotal juncture in its development journey.

In his address, the Chief Guest Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, highlighted the vital role of professionals in nation-building, fostering innovation, and contributing to a knowledge-based economy.


Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne	Treasury and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma	OPA President Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake	President-Elect and Annual Conference Committee Chairman Jayantha Gallehewa

A highlight of the evening was the 4th National Apex Awards Ceremony, introduced by Chairman of the Panel of Judges Justice Priyasath Dep. These prestigious awards recognised eminent professionals who have made exceptional contributions to their respective fields and to society at large.

The evening featured an impactful keynote address by the Treasury and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, who stressed the role of professionals in supporting the Government’s efforts to develop the country.

The night concluded with dinner and fellowship, offering a valuable opportunity for professionals from various disciplines to connect while enjoying captivating performances from renowned singer Umariya Sinhawansa.

The following day was dedicated to the technical sessions, which brought together experts, policymakers, and professionals to deliberate on key areas vital to Sri Lanka’s progress. The recommendations and insights from these sessions will serve as a valuable foundation for the OPA to develop policy papers and initiate ongoing discussions with the Government, ensuring that the outcomes of the conference have a sustained and practical impact.

The 38th Annual Conference and 4th National Apex Awards underscored the OPA’s pivotal role as the umbrella body uniting Sri Lanka’s professional community, dedicated to elevating professional standards and contributing meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic transformation.