Over 2,000 Chartered Accountants including business leaders and c-suite executives embarked on an exhilarating journey at the 44th National Conference of Chartered Accountants organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) early this month.
Under the theme, ‘Beyond the Perfect Storm: Seizing the Opportunity,’ delegates at the Monarch Imperial immersed themselves in a mesmerizing array of sessions, unveiling the intricate world of finance and accounting in an ever-evolving global landscape. During two days of technical sessions, renowned experts of both local and international repute, presented an exclusive opportunity for attendees to gain knowledge, exchange insights, and explore the latest advancements in their respective fields while addressing contemporary and future challenges across the professional, corporate, and economic spheres.
The first session, titled “Facing the Storm with Courage,” showcased Dr. Mohit D Gupta, Professor of Cardiology at GB Pant Hospital in New Delhi, India. The second session, “Leveraging AI and Digitalization,” featured experts Jayantha Fernando, Partner at Heritage Partners and Director at the Colombo Stock Exchange and Sri Lanka CERT, alongside Sharon van Rooyen, Forensic & Integrity Services Leader at EY Africa. Steering the third session on “Seizing Opportunities in Agri & Healthcare Industries” were Senarath Kiriwaththuduwage, Director at Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited (HAHL), and Chief Executive Officer of Crop Protection and Planting Material Business at HAHL, and Suneth Haputhanthri, General Manager at Hemas Hospitals and Laboratories.
The fourth session, “Sustainable Growth with Blue Horizons & Green Opportunities,” featured 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). The fifth session, “Journey of a Dreamer,” showcased a dynamic lineup of speakers, including 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.
The three-day mega conference culminated with a fireside chat, where experts from diverse sectors and industries engaged in thought-provoking conversations to broaden participants’ perspectives. The panel included Shiromal Cooray, Chairperson and Managing Director of Jetwing Travels; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Country Managing Partner at Ernst & Young and Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; Dhananath Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of the Advocata Institute; and Naresh Abeyesekera, Chief Executive Officer of SECQUORO and Board Director of Bank of Ceylon.
