The public sector wing of CA Sri Lanka, the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka (APFASL), proudly hosted its Annual Conference 2023 on 03rd October 2023, themed “Smart Management of Public Finance” with a significant gathering of professionals, experts, and thought leaders from the realm of public finance.
Against the backdrop of evolving global financial dynamics and the distinctive challenges confronting public sector entities, the conference provided a priceless platform for the exchange of knowledge, the cultivation of innovation, and the fostering of collaboration. The event was graced by Mr. Suresh Shah, Chairman of CTC Ltd, and Head of the SOE Restructuring Unit of the Ministry of Finance, while Mr. Brian Blood, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Accountants (CAPA), delivered the keynote address, sharing his valuable insights and experiences on current developments in public sector accounting and reporting in the international arena.
Mr. Sanjaya Bandara, President of CA Sri Lanka, and Mr. V Kanagasabapathy, President of APFASL, also took the stage to address the conference, emphasizing the importance of public finance management and collaboration within the accounting community.
The conference, featured three research papers that captured significant attention and sparked extensive discussions among the participants:
The paper on “Impact of Public Expenditure on the Economy” delved into the complex interplay between public expenditure and its effects on the national economy, offering valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s fiscal strategies. The second paper titled “Reforming State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Sri Lanka” focused on the much-needed overhaul of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Sri Lanka, delving into the intricacies of restructuring efforts and their implications. The third and final research paper titled “Significance of an Efficient E-Procurement System for the Public Sector” underscored the importance of a streamlined E-Procurement system for Sri Lanka’s public sector in an era where technology continues to shape the modern world.
The APFASL Conference 2023 was made possible through the generous support of the Bank of Ceylon, who served as the lead financial sponsor for the event, alongside Peoples Bank, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the field of public finance in Sri Lanka.
The APFASL Annual Conference 2023 emerged as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and networking, exemplifying the association’s dedication to enhancing the understanding and practice of public finance accounting in Sri Lanka.