CA Sri Lanka rings CSE bell to celebrate 65 years of excellence in accounting and financial leadership

CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu ringing bell at CSE to celebrate CA Sri Lanka’s 65th anniversary

Guests at bell ringing ceremony at CSE 

The country’s National Body of Accountants, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) marked a historic milestone by ringing the ceremonial bell at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to commemorate its 65th anniversary.

The event, held on 16 June 2025, celebrated CA Sri Lanka’s enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and national contribution to financial governance. The bell was formally rung by CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu, in the presence of Vice President Tishan Subasinghe, members of Council, Past Presidents, CEO Lakmali Priyangika, as well as CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara, CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike, and CEO Designate Vindhya Jayasekera.

The bell ringing ceremony, a symbolic tradition that signifies the opening of trading at the stock exchange, served as a powerful reaffirmation of CA Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s financial and professional landscape for over 65 years, since the Institute was established in 1959 by an Act of Parliament.

The event also underscored CA Sri Lanka’s continued commitment as a world class professional body to lead with vision, thrive through professional excellence, and sustain the growth and relevance of the accounting profession.

CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara said: “I would like to acknowledge the Institute’s outstanding contribution, not only in advancing the accounting profession and financial reporting, but also in shaping Sri Lanka’s capital market. Over the years, the collaboration between our two institutions has grown meaningfully, especially through the TAGS Annual Report Awards, where we have served as a longstanding strategic partner. We have also championed integrated reporting, now mandatory for the top 100 listed companies, and are embracing new sustainability disclosures under S1 and S2.” He concluded by emphasising, “The prominence of chartered accountants in corporate leadership across Sri Lanka and beyond is a testament to the calibre of professionals CA Sri Lanka continues to produce.”

CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu highlighted that the bell ringing ceremony at the Colombo Stock Exchange was not just a ceremonial gesture, but a symbol of CA Sri Lanka’s enduring commitment to transparency, trust, and transformation. “For 65 years, our Institute has been a cornerstone of financial integrity. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to empowering professionals, embracing innovation, and contributing meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s economic resilience,” he said.

Vice President Tishan Subasinghe, who also chairs the 65th Anniversary Committee, explained that when the Institute unveiled its 65th anniversary logo, it was not merely a symbol but a statement of purpose. “The words “Lead - Thrive - Sustain” capture the essence of our Institute’s journey and its future. We lead with integrity, thrive through innovation, and sustain our commitment to excellence for generations to come,” he added.

In addition to the Bell Ringing Ceremony, CA Sri Lanka has been organising a series of commemorative events since last year to mark its 65th anniversary. The celebrations commenced with the unveiling of the 65th anniversary logo in July 2024, followed by the inauguration of the ‘Legacy Lane’ and the awarding of a scholarship to the granddaughter of the Institute’s first employee, as well as a multi-religious blessings ceremony, pirith ceremony, and almsgiving in December.

Continuing the celebrations into 2025, CA Sri Lanka launched a commemorative first-day stamp cover in January, which was followed by a special felicitation ceremony to recognise the outstanding service of over veteran members who played a pivotal role in shaping the profession since the Institute’s inception.

Adding a touch of glamour and camaraderie, CA Sri Lanka hosted a dinner dance in February, while plans are also afoot to undertake a tree planting initiative later this year.