Mr. Anura Perera

Our country has plunged into an unprecedented economic and humanitarian crisis. The dynamics are still very fluid, and at the time of penning this message, the end to this crisis appears very blurred. While we engage in dissecting and analyzing the root causes of this crisis, the Technical Committee thought that we should focus and discuss the way forward in resolving and coming out this crisis.

The magnitude of the crisis compels us to ‘transform’ not mere change, starting from taking a critical look at our own perceptions, views, attitudes and comfort zones. Because we as citizens or as learned professionals cannot absolve ourselves completely from the responsibility for the situation we are in as we have contributed to the problem consciously or unconsciously. In the same way, we will look at the way we can contribute, influence and uplift the social fabric and the corporate. Although there are a number of critical areas that we can look at the country level transformation we have selected four broad areas that have near consensus from the policy makers, private sector think tanks and society in general. The courage to map out the strategies and convince the stakeholders for transformation is the biggest barrier we face.

This year, in our quest to transform, we have also changed the format of the conference. There will be no panel discussions, instead the conference will incorporate more speakers. We believe this will provide the audience the opportunity to listen to different and diverse perspectives. However, the audience will also get the opportunity to pose questions to the selected speakers during the fireside chat at the end of the second day.

We have lined up an array of subject matter experts to share their thoughts and ideas on the four broad areas of ‘transform’ namely Self, Society, Corporate and Country. Each one of us have a responsibility in shaping the country’s future and I sincerely hope the ideas and actions that will be deliberated will help us to achieve our most cherished goal;’ transform-country’. In addition, I am sure you are looking forward to networking with your fellow members after a lapse of almost two years.

I wish to thank the Conference Committee led by Ms. Anoji De Silva for the support and for organizing this event amidst these difficult circumstances. I also wish to thank my colleagues in the Technical Committee for their contribution and support in making this conference a success.

Ms. Dulani Fernando

Accountancy is considered as one of the most influential professions in the world, and if we have all learned one important lesson, it is that we always turn to innovation and transformation during a crisis.

Sri Lanka is today facing phenomenal challenges at every level, and conquering these adversities is perhaps the biggest task we face as a nation today. Chartered Accountants have always been at the forefront in spearheading transformation, hence, I am certain we can all play a catalyst role in driving Sri Lanka out of this ongoing crisis and work towards ensuring long-term sustainability and economic recovery.

With this objective in mind, CA Sri Lanka will once again utilize its National Conference to help drive Chartered Accountants to take that all-important step in helping embrace transformation, which will not only benefit them professionally but will also contribute immensely for the benefit of society, corporate and country. 

The significance of the National Conference of Chartered Accountants is shown by its mammoth participation, making it possibly the biggest business summit to be held in the country every year, attracting a diverse range of participants, including business leaders as well as c-suite executives and other high-profile accounting and non-accounting professionals.

As always, this year’s conference too will be thought-provoking, and will set an important precedence towards ensuring "transformation" at all levels, which will immensely benefit self, society, corporate and country.

Mrs. Anoji De Silva

CA Sri Lanka has always strived to promote thought leadership amongst the business community. This year’s conference is even more significant as we feel we are in sync with what we as Sri Lankans believe. We are ready for a real transformation. A transformation that will change the country for the better.

Therefore, as the National Conference Committee Chair, I am privileged to unveil to you the theme, "Transform." Our theme and conference content underscore the importance of a multi-faceted transformation, where we need to transform ourselves, our businesses, our society, and our country. Without such a multi-pronged transformation, Sri Lanka cannot and will not be restored to its former glory.

Nothing gets transformed until your mind is transformed. This year we decided, despite challenges, to hold a physical conference as we believe this is important for our members and the business community to meet each other, renew old friendships and also engage in healthy discussions on how we can all make up our minds collectively to help transform Sri Lanka. Therefore, I would like to invite all our members and the business community to join us on the 13^th and 14^th of October 2022 and draw inspiration and ideas from our eminent panel of speakers. As we have done in previous years, we will also continue to make available a virtual platform for those of you who are unable to join us physically.

A conference of this nature is not possible without our sponsors. This was a very difficult year and I am extremely grateful to our sponsors who considered this a worthy investment to help us promote the CA Sri Lanka National Conference, which is the largest gathering of Chartered Accountants and the business community in Sri Lanka. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all our sponsors.

There is also a very dedicated and hard-working team that is the key to the success of this conference. My appreciation to our CEO Ms Dulani Ferando and the CA Team headed by Mr. Nishantha Pushpakumara, my alternate Chairman Mr. Chamara Abeyratne, Technical Committee Chair Mr Anura Perera and Technical Committee Alternate Chair Ms Priyoshini Fernando, as well as our respective committees and Kurzon our event partner, for their enthusiasm and hard work. Thank you!!.

In conclusion, I would like to extend my appreciation to the President of CA Sri Lanka, Mr. Sanjaya Bandara, Vice President Mr. Heshana Kuruppu and the council for the confidence placed in us to organize the conference this year. We are certain that we will live up to the expectations and will provide you with a conference to remember as always.

I look forward to meeting all of you at the Grand Monarch this October.

Let’s work together to transform our beautiful country!