The Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) Australia celebrated a milestone Silver Jubilee in Sri Lanka with a prestigious ceremony amidst industry leaders, distinguished professionals, and members of the academic community and diplomatic representatives from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions’. David Cartney, Global Vice President was the Chief Guest.
The landmark event commemorated a quarter-century of excellence in strategic management accounting education. It also unveiled significant strategic initiatives positioning Sri Lanka as a global hub for management accounting education.
The event also showcased the institute’s plans for expanding its educational offerings and strengthening its global presence through Sri Lanka’s enhanced position as a center of excellence.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Janek Ratnatunga, Global CEO of ICMA Australia said, “Over the 25 years, ICMA Australia has built a strong presence in Sri Lanka, empowering professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead, innovate, and drive growth in the business world. The journey has been marked by partnerships, quality education, and a growing network of skilled leaders making an impact both locally and internationally.”
The celebration was marked by the signing of three strategic partnership agreements that will create valuable pathways for mutual recognition and professional advancement such as the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI-UK), the Association of Professional Bankers (APB) and the Institute of Chartered Corporate Secretaries of Sri Lanka (ICCSSL)
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two pioneering figures who were instrumental in establishing ICMA’s presence in Sri Lanka. Ranel Wijesinha and Manilka Fernando were honoured with the prestigious ‘Grand Champion of the Management Accounting Profession’ award for their visionary leadership and dedication since the institute’s collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka in 1999.
In a significant development, the Sri Lanka Region, has been appointed as the Global Provider for ICMA’s Graduate Conversion Programme. Led by Sri Lanka Regional Director Kapila Dodamgoda, the appointment recognizes the region’s consistent excellence in delivering high-quality education and maintaining exceptional teaching standards that have set benchmarks across ICMA’s global community.
The appointment also reflects ICMA’s confidence in Sri Lanka’s capability to deliver world-class education and support to graduates worldwide. Currently, the Sri Lanka Region consistently demonstrates excellence in building a robust alumni network and supporting the professional growth of management accountants and finance leaders.