CA SL launches 46th National Conference of Chartered Accountants

From left: Nishani Perera, Wasaba Jayasekera, Tishan Subasinghe, Heshana Kuruppu, Chamara Abeyrathne and Lakmali Priyangika

At a time when Sri Lanka faces profound political, economic and social challenges, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) is set to ignite an ‘UPRISE’ by empowering Chartered Accountants to lead with vision, courage and purpose at its 46th National Conference of Chartered Accountants, scheduled to take place from October 08 to 10, 2025, at Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura.

Drawing inspiration from global success stories where nations that rose from crisis through reform, innovation and strategic transformation, this flagship event of CA Sri Lanka, themed ‘UPRISE – Global Insight >> Local Impact’, is more than a professional gathering and is aimed at catalysing Sri Lanka’s resurgence through visionary leadership, global learning and local transformation.

Addressing a press conference to unveil this year’s conference theme and rationale on August 01, 2025, CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu explained that this year’s conference is a rallying cry for change-makers to rise above limitations and engineer a resilient, forward-looking future for Sri Lanka. 

Kuruppu emphasised that Sri Lanka stands today at a critical juncture in its post-crisis journey and the past few years have tested the nation’s resilience, economically, socially and institutionally. 

“Yet, even amidst these challenges, we are reminded that adversity often presents the greatest opportunity for transformation. Our journey forward calls not only for hope but also for decisive action rooted in clarity of purpose, strategic reform and the collective will to transform. And this is where the role of professionals, particularly Chartered Accountants, becomes indispensable,” he explained.

Among those present at the press conference were CA Sri Lanka Vice President Tishan Subasinghe, National Conference Committee Chairman Chamara Abeyrathne, National Conference Technical Committee Chairman Wasaba Jayasekera, National Conference Committee Alternate Chair Ashane Jayasekara, National Conference Technical Committee Alternate Chair Nishani Perera and CA Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Lakmali Priyangika.

Dubbed the country’s largest annual business summit, this year’s National Conference is expected to attract over 2,500 delegates from Sri Lanka and abroad. The three-day event will feature over 15 local and international speakers who will steer the sessions, exploring cutting-edge topics such as geopolitical strategy, trade reform, digital innovation, ethical leadership and professional branding.

Speaking at the press conference, Abeyrathne noted that with a legacy spanning more than 45 years, the National Conference has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the most anticipated and respected business summits in Sri Lanka. 

“Today, it serves not only as a platform for professional development but also as a space for bold ideas, meaningful dialogue and transformative action.”

He explained that the journey towards this year’s National Conference is already well underway, with months of meticulous planning, coordination and collaboration.

“From conceptualising the theme to curating a compelling speaker line-up, designing impactful sessions and managing complex logistics, every detail is being carefully considered to ensure the event delivers exceptional value, relevance and inspiration to our over 2,500 participants in October,” Abeyrathne said.

Jayasekera added that Sri Lanka is at one of the most critical junctures in its history, facing immense challenges that demand courage, vision and decisive action. 

“We, as Chartered Accountants, not only understand the gravity of this moment but also believe deeply that an UPRISE is both possible and essential.”

He highlighted global examples of resilience: Germany rebuilt itself into an economic powerhouse from the ashes of war; Vietnam transitioned from isolation to become a manufacturing and export hub; South Korea evolved into a leader in technology and innovation; Finland, once in severe recession, reinvented itself through technology and human capital and Singapore, with almost no resources, became a global success story through vision, governance and relentless skill development.

“These nations remind us that no country is destined to remain trapped by its circumstances,” Jayasekera added. 

During the press conference, the official website of the 46th National Conference conference.casrilanka.com was also launched.