ACCA Sri Lanka holds AGM; Celebrates achievements and appoints leadership for 2025/26

ACCA leadership for the year 2025/ 26

Seated from left: ACCA South Asia Head Nilusha Ranasinghe, MNP Chairman Chaaminda Kumarasiri and BDM Members and Employers Ruchera Jayawardena Peries

Standing from left: Sashi Jayakody, Mahesh Semage , Nadishanie Jayalath, Moiz Rehmanjee, Lahiru Karunarathna, Buddhi Pathiraja, Ranjani Joseph and Dhananjaya Dayananda

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Sri Lanka held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 5 June at the Sapphire Ballroom, Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo. The evening brought together ACCA members to celebrate the many milestones achieved over the year.

A key highlight of the AGM was the reaffirmation of The Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC Group Managing Director Chaaminda Kumarasiri as Chairman for another term, with INQUBE GLOBAL Vice President Risk and Governance Prasenna Balachandran, continuing as Vice Chairman.

The Member Network Panel also includes appointed members KPMG Sri Lanka Partner – Head of Banking and Head of Clients and Markets Ranjani Joseph, Hemas Holdings Group Chief Financial Officer Moiz Rehmanjee, CBL Group Head Of Group Corporate Finance Mahesh Semage, and BDO Partners Director Buddhi Pathiraja, along with elected members Hayleys Aventura – Hayleys Consumer and Hayleys Lifesciences Finance Director Sashi Jayakody, InnovateXLabs Ltd. Director Finance Lahiru Karunarathna, Hayleys Aventura Ltd. Team Lead – BPO Operations Nadishanie Jayalath, and SANASA Development Bank PLC Chief Internal Auditor Dhananjaya Dayananda.

ACCA’s strategy was outlined, which is structured around four key outcomes: redefining the role of the accountant, driving career success, strengthening professional impact, and building sustainable value, reinforcing ACCA’s role not only as an advocate for its members but also as a leading global voice shaping the future of the finance and accounting profession.

A comprehensive review of the 2024/25 year was presented, showcasing numerous initiatives centred on professional development and advocacy for sustainable and ethical finance practices. These included several milestone initiatives led by ACCA Sri Lanka, such as the inaugural Tutors’ Recognition Ceremony, the first-ever Teachers’ Conference, and the introduction of an AI-powered chatbot — demonstrating ACCA’s commitment to a digital-first approach. These efforts not only highlighted ACCA’s forward-thinking mindset but also aimed at strengthening relationships with professional bodies and universities, paving the way for innovative collaborations. Such partnerships are instrumental in developing a future-ready talent pool of employable graduates aligned with global workforce needs. Additionally, various impactful activities undertaken by the ACCA Sri Lanka sub-committees were also shared, reflecting the collective efforts of the membership community. 

Enhancing collaboration and professional growth, were several new MoUs, with universities, professional bodies and employers. Approved Employer Certificates were awarded to leading organisations over the year.

Many activities done by the sub committees were also shared with the members.

Some key achievements were, ACCA’s National Agenda Sub-Committee presenting an ambitious 2025 budget proposal addressing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges through a focus on sustainability, public welfare, and fiscal responsibility. Also celebrated, was the success of the 20th anniversary of the ACCA Sri Lanka Sustainability Reporting Awards, reinforcing a strong and growing corporate commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With strong leadership in place and an ambitious agenda ahead, the future looks promising for ACCA and its growing community of finance professionals.