In the wake of the country’s deep economic crisis, the 44th National Conference organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) will offer an exciting line-up of insightful technical sessions, making it an important platform for thought-provoking discussions, and inspirational insights to help professionals including business leaders and c-suite executives to navigate the ongoing crisis.
The three-day mega event dubbed Sri Lanka’s biggest annul business summit from 03rd to 05th October 2023 at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura, will revolve around the timely theme “Beyond the Perfect Storm: Seizing the Opportunity.” The conference will feature an exciting line-up of local and international speakers who will steer the technical sessions, providing delegates a unique opportunity to learn, share, and explore the latest developments in their respective fields, apart from deliberating current and future challenges across the professional, business, and economic landscapes.
The conference, which will consist of five technical sessions and a fireside talk, is expected to draw at least 2,000 attendees from Sri Lanka and abroad. The conference’s first session will be titled “Facing the Storm with Courage,” and will feature Dr. Mohit D Gupta, Professor of Cardiology at GB Pant Hospital in New Delhi, India, who will speak on the human spirit and its persistence and refusal to give up as it thrives on hope, courage, and the confidence that better days are ahead, while encouraging people to see problems as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and triumph.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) can play an important part in Sri Lanka’s economic transformation and anti-corruption initiatives; additionally, by using technology and digital solutions, the country can improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability across multiple sectors. To achieve this goal, however, a complete approach involving political will, robust institutions, and active participation from all stakeholders is required. To deliberate and discuss this important topic, the second session titled “Leveraging AI and Digitalization” will bring together two experts namely Jayantha Fernando, Partner, Heritage Partners, Director, Colombo Stock Exchange, and Director, Sri Lanka CERT, and Sharon van Rooyen, Forensic & Integrity Services Leader, EY Africa, who will share their perspectives.
The third session will focus on “Seizing Opportunities in Agri & Healthcare Industries,” emphasising the need for Sri Lanka to effectively address the impacts of climate change and embrace cutting-edge technologies that focus on the development of drought-resistant crops, precision agriculture, efficient irrigation management, and protected agriculture practises, as well as the need to leverage artificial intelligence and digitalization technologies to unlock opportunities for health care optimisation. Senarath Kiriwaththuduwage, Director, Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited (HAHL) and Chief Executive Officer, Crop Protection and Planting Material Business, HAHL, and Suneth Haputhanthri, General Manager, Hemas Hospitals and Laboratories, will be the speakers of this session.
Prof. P.B. Terney Pradeep Kumara, Professor in Oceanography, Department of Oceanography & Marine Geology, University of Ruhuna and Director, Centre for International Affairs (CINTA), University of Ruhuna, and Dr. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu, Country Representative Sri Lanka, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), will share their expertise and insights on “Sustainable Growth with Blue Horizons & Green Opportunities” in the fourth session which will focus on investing in green technologies and sustainable infrastructure, to create a greener, more efficient economy that preserves Sri Lanka’s natural wealth, while the blue economy will complement this vision, by recognizing the immense value of our oceans and water resources, thereby helping Sri Lanka harness the vast potential of blue innovation and safeguard marine biodiversity.
The fifth session on “Journey of a Dreamer” will feature a captivating lineup of speakers who will share their experiences of accomplishment and how they overcame obstacles and channelled their passion to make their ideas a reality. Sahan Clive Bakmiwewa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Silk Route Ventures; Irfan Thassim, Founder and Managing Director of Oceanpick Private Limited; Kalana Muthumuni, Chief Executive Officer of Hyperglade; and Thushari Weerakoon, Managing Director of Ramya Horticulture Private Limited will speak at the session.
The three-day event will conclude with a fireside chat, in which experts from various sectors and industries will gather for a stimulating discussion. The fireside chat will feature Dhananath Fernando, Chief Executive Officer, Advocata Institute; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Country Managing Partner, Ernst & Young and Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; Shiromal Cooray, Chairperson & Managing Director, Jetwing Travels, Naresh Abeyesekera, Chief Executive Officer, SECQUORO and Board Director, Bank of Ceylon; as well as several session speakers who will provide the delegates with an immersive experience by engaging in thought-provoking conversations that will broaden the participants perspectives.