Page 67 - CA Sri Lanka Integrated Annual Report 2023
P. 67

THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANTS OF SRI LANKA (APFASL)



         Over the years, CA Sri Lanka has supported the public sector in integrating the best practices into public financial accounting adhering
         to global accounting and financial standards. The public finance arm of CA Sri Lanka - the Association of Public Financial Accountants of
         Sri Lanka (APFASL) - is responsible for these initiatives. APFASL focuses on conducting training programmes and capacity building for
         public sector financial professionals. Throughout the year, APFASL implemented various projects and organised events achieving the
         milestone of contributing towards the growth of the public finance and accounting.
         Performance Highlights              Diploma in Local Government   Preparation of the   Provincial Best Annual
         h   Enhanced financial management   Financial Management       Internal Audit (IA)   Report & Accounts
             capabilities through UNDP partnership  (DLGFM) Programme   Manual for Local    (BARA) Competition
                                                                        Authorities
         h   Strengthened expertise in SLPSAS   The DLGFM programme     Over a six month period  The DLGFM programme
             11-20 with USAID collaboration  consisted of two phases. The   in 2023 two subject   was held in June and
         h   Extended strategic alliance with   first phase, commenced in March  matter experts guided   July 2023, benefiting
             CIPFA (UK) until 2025           2022, and involved activities   by a panel of five   participants from
                                             across the Northern, Eastern,   specialists in Internal   four provinces. The
         h   Successfully hosted AGM, Annual   North Central, and Uva provinces.  Auditing, compiled   ceremony was held
             Conference and BARA Awards      It concluded with examinations   the comprehensive   at the Anuradhapura
             Ceremony                        held in December 2023 and   IA Manual. It was   Provincial Council
         h   Adapted to challenges, explored   January 2024, followed by award   concluded by   Auditorium in
             virtual training options and advocated   ceremonies in April and May   September 2023 by   September 2023 to
             for support                     2023 across the provinces.   presenting the final   recognize excellence
                                                                        document to the     in financial reporting
         h   Projects                        The second phase was launched   UNDP. This reflects a   among local authorities.
                                             in December 2022, introduced   strong commitment   This initiative recognized
             At the beginning of 2023, the   a specialized Sinhala medium   to adhering to best   the excellence in
             continuation of the UNDP Programme   DLGFM programme for local   practices in internal   financial reporting
             and the initiation of the USAID project   authority staff in the Eastern   auditing.  and highlighted our
             were notable projects underway.   province. It concluded with                  members' dedication
             This aims to enhance financial   examinations held in August and               to transparency and
             management practices in Sri Lanka   the award ceremony in the end              accountability.
             while strengthening the collaboration   of September. This programme
             with international partners.
                                             supported 220 individuals
                                             in enhancing the financial
             •   UNDP Project
                                             management capabilities of local
                In 2023, APFASL effectively   authorities, providing them with
                concluded its partnership with   Diploma certificates.
                the UNDP Programme which
                commenced in March 2022. The    •   USAID Project                  •   Events
                objective of this collaboration
                was to enhance the financial       In February 2023, USAID            In 2023, APFASL hosted its AGM
                management capabilities of         launched a programme in Sri        in April, fostering constructive
                local authorities. The programme   Lanka to strengthen expertise      dialogue and community
                comprised of the following three   in SLPSAS 11-20 among public       cohesion. The Annual Conference
                main activities;                   sector accountants. Led by         in October facilitated knowledge
                                                   renowned professionals, the        exchange, aiding members'
                                                   initiative spans all provinces,    professional development.
                                                   focusing on enhancing financial    Short-term capacity-building
                                                   management and transparency.       programmes were conducted to
                                                   700 professionals have benefited   align skills with evolving public
                                                   from rigorous training sessions,   accounting standards.
                                                   fostering uniform understanding
                                                   and implementation of
                                                   accounting standards.

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