Page 14 - CA Sri Lanka Integrated Annual Report 2023

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

to empower Chartered Accountants to significant contributions, and thrive in the Lanka, the Council has embarked on a
ensure they continue to make a lasting ever-evolving business landscape of the new transformative journey, dedicated to
impact in the business world and society. 21st century. catalyzing meaningful change and shaping
the future through a series of strategic
Expanding Our Global Footprint Aligned with modern needs, CA Sri initiatives which will not only benefit our
CA Sri Lanka has been known for decades Lanka introduced on-demand computer- members and student, but also the public
for its thought leadership, and our National based exams for the Business Level in and nation as a whole.
Conference, which is recognised as the 2023, providing students with enhanced
country’s biggest annual business summit flexibility in their examinations. In 2023, Guided by the inspiring theme “FRONT,”
is perfect proof of this. To reinforce this we also saw a significant increase in the vision of the Council will revolve
standing, in 2023, we broke ground as student enrollment, reaching a total of around being future-ready, seizing
CA Sri Lanka demonstrated its thought 7,655 registrations, the highest in seven opportunities, nurturing change, and
leadership on an international scale with years. As of 31st December 2023, the building trust. This presents another
its inaugural conference in Dubai which institute’s active student base stood at opportunity for us to contribute to the
attracted over 250 professionals from the over 31,000. This surge also solidifies our advancement and sustainability of both
Middle East. position as the preferred destination for our country and profession.
accounting education in the country.
Hot on the heels of a successful A strong financial foundation is imperative
international conference, CA Sri Lanka’s Looking Beyond the Conventional to serve the public interest, in light of the
Australia Chapter also organised the Norm volatile environment of recent years. The
first-ever business forum in Melbourne, The economic crisis, compounded by challenges ahead may remain daunting,
Australia, aimed to foster collaboration, the global shift towards remote working but so too are the opportunities. By
enhance trade and investment between has had a profound impact on Sri Lanka, embracing the lessons learned from the
Australia and Sri Lanka, and promote Sri exacerbating the issue of brain drain. With trials and tribulations of the past few
Lanka as a preferred tourist destination. remote working becoming more popular, years, we can emerge stronger, more
The event attracted over 75 Australian more and more professionals have been resilient, and more united than ever
businesses, along with heads of drawn to opportunities overseas by the before.
professional bodies, dignitaries, diplomats, chance of improved work-life balance
representatives from the media, and and economic prospects. The substantial Acknowledgement
chambers of commerce. talent exodus from Sri Lanka brought Ultimately it is through the collective
about by the economic crisis has had both effort of our members, students, staff,
To strengthen our global community positives and negatives. As CA Sri Lanka and stakeholders – that we unlock the
of CA Sri Lanka members outside Sri continues to create world-class talent, we potential for progress, as we look to
Lanka, in 2023, we expanded our global believe our members are poised uniquely effectively execute our strategy and tackle
presence with new chapters in Canada to explore new opportunities including pressing challenges head-on.
and the United Kingdom. The chapter accounting as a service export. This will
will support our members in furthering not only support the increasing demand Many of our initiatives would not have
their knowledge and meeting CPD for knowledge process outsourcing and been possible if not for the guidance
requirements. business process outsourcing but can also of the members of the Council and the
have a positive impact on our country and committees, therefore, I wish to express
Apart from showcasing and amplifying its coffers. my gratitude for their leadership and
the significant contributions made by CA voluntary contributions. I would also like
Sri Lanka members to global businesses, A Transformative Vision for the Future to appreciate the CEO and staff of CA
our overseas chapters can also foster Chartered Accountants of CA Sri Lanka are Sri Lanka for their dedication and hard
strong bilateral ties by facilitating trade known for their unique and versatile skills, work, as well as acknowledge all other
and investments between our nation and and unwavering dedication to support stakeholders of our Institute.
the countries where our chapters are businesses of all sizes. Our financial
established. expertise has proved indispensable
throughout as we have guided businesses
Reinforcing the Future of Accounting through the complexities of a volatile
In our continuing efforts to empower economic landscape, crafting strategic
and strengthen future members of our risk mitigation plans tailored to the fluid Heshana Kuruppu
profession, by 2025, we will introduce the operating environment. To help strengthen President – CA Sri Lanka
new CA Sri Lanka Curriculum. The ultimate the professional capabilities of our valued
goal is to foster adaptable professionals membership, who are also recognised
who can navigate complexities, make as the brand ambassadors of CA Sri

12 CA Sri Lanka Integrated Annual Report 2023