On January 31, 2025, at the Teachers’ Conference themed “Evolution of Finance with AI,” ACCA Sri Lanka made history by launching the country’s first AI-powered chatbot designed to assist in understanding International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant leap forward in finance education, offering an innovative tool to enhance the learning experience for advanced-level accounting students and educators.
By integrating AI into accounting education, ACCA Sri Lanka is bridging the gap between traditional learning methods and modern technology. This pioneering effort aims to empower students and teachers with a smarter, more efficient way to navigate complex accounting standards, reinforcing ACCA’s commitment to shaping the future of finance education in Sri Lanka.
For the past five years, ACCA Sri Lanka has organized a platform-based school competition and conducted several skill development sessions. The feedback received from these initiatives inspired us to develop the AI-powered chatbot, bridging education and technology. This innovation aims to equip young leaders with the essential skills needed to thrive in the evolving financial landscape.
The event was graced by Prof. P.M.C. Thilakarathne, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University of Sri Lanka, who attended as the Chief Guest. The conference also welcomed distinguished academics, representatives from the National Institute of Education (NIE), and a large gathering of A/L accounting teachers and students eager to explore the evolving landscape of finance education.
Delivering the keynote address on “The Future of Finance Education and Modern Skill Demand,” Chaaminda Kumarasiri, Chairman of the ACCA Member Network Panel, emphasized the growing role of ethics in AI-driven learning. He urged educators and students to stay ahead of technological advancements, ensuring that finance education evolves to meet the demands of the digital era.
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring Prof. Thilakarathne, Mr. Chathuranga Sandararuwan (Senior Lecturer, University of Sri Jayewardenepura), Dr. P.H. Kusumawathi (Deputy Director General, Faculty of Education Leadership Development & Management of NIE), and Mr. Chaaminda Kumarasiri. Moderated by Mr. Dayan Baduge- Director of Future Lanka Research and Development, the discussion focused on AI’s transformative impact on finance education and the essential skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven financial world.
Speaking on this milestone, Nilusha Ranasinghe, Head of South Asia, ACCA, stated:“ACCA’s commitment to embracing AI ensures that students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s digital and globalized financial landscape. This innovative tool not only supports students in mastering IFRS but also empowers teachers by seamlessly integrating technology into the learning process. It marks a new chapter in finance education, where technology and education converge to break barriers and unlock new opportunities for growth.”
With this cutting-edge AI chatbot, ACCA Sri Lanka is redefining the way accounting education is delivered, making it more interactive, accessible, and efficient.
