CA SL sets new benchmark with highest Chartered Accountant number in a single year

CA Sri Lanka CEO Lakmali Priyangika

For over 65 years, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has stood as the national body of accountants and a beacon of professional excellence established by an Act of Parliament in 1959.  The CA Sri Lanka qualification has been the gold standard for finance professionals in the country for over six decades. This year, the institute is set to host its largest-ever convocation with the highest number of Chartered Accountants produced in a single year, a testament to its enduring relevance.  We sat down with CA Sri Lanka CEO Lakmali Priyangika to discuss this milestone, the evolving appeal of the CA qualification and how it continues to empower the youth to become the visionary leaders of tomorrow.

Priyangika, CA Sri Lanka is preparing for its annual convocation. What makes this year’s event particularly special?

The 2025 Annual Convocation is a landmark event for us and we are incredibly proud because for the first time in our 65-year history, we are proud to confer the Associate Membership upon our largest-ever cohort, making this a truly landmark convocation.

This isn’t just a number; it’s a powerful statement. It signifies a resounding vote of confidence from the youth in the value of the CA Sri Lanka qualification. In a world brimming with educational options, seeing such a significant number of young individuals and their parents choose this path is a clear indicator that the Chartered Accountant qualification remains the most prestigious and rewarding credential in the fields of accountancy, finance and business. It’s a celebration of their resilience and a reflection of our institute’s successful adaptation to the needs of a new generation.

Could you elaborate on the composition of this year’s membership and what does it tell us about the changing perceptions of the profession?

Absolutely. The diversity of this cohort is what truly excites us. The Chartered Accountant qualification has successfully shattered the myth that it is only for students from a commerce background. This year, we have a considerable number of new members who studied for their Advanced Levels in streams like Bioscience, Physical Science, Arts and Technology.

This cross-pollination of disciplines is immensely valuable, bringing analytical rigour, a scientific mindset and a variety of problem-solving approaches to the profession, making it more resilient and innovative. Due to the flexible pathways introduced by CA Sri Lanka, students are now able to complete their qualifications within a shorter timeframe through initiatives such as the Aptitude Test and adaptable training options. 

Furthermore, there has been a marked improvement in the geographical spread of student registrations, with only 40 percent originating from the Western province and the remaining 60 percent coming from other regions across the country.

Furthermore, a noteworthy trend has emerged, with a significant number of young students successfully completing the CA qualification. A considerable proportion of our newly qualified members are under the age of 25. This underscores that the CA qualification is not just a professional qualification but a significant catalyst for career advancement and personal growth, as it enables young, talented individuals to accelerate their careers, achieving a level of professional credibility and expertise at a very young age that sets them up for a lifetime of leadership.

With thousands transitioning from students to professionals, what are the job market opportunities like for a CA Sri Lanka member?

The demand for CA Sri Lanka members has never been higher. Our members are the backbone of the corporate sector. They are sought after as CEOs, CFOs, financial controllers and directors in leading conglomerates, banks and multinational corporations. In today’s volatile business environment, the ability to provide strategic foresight, ensure robust financial governance and drive sustainable growth is paramount. A CA is trained for precisely that.

The qualification is a passport to a global career. Our members are highly regarded across the world, from the Middle East and Asia to Europe and Australia. Our rigorous standards, which are on par with international best practices, ensure that a Chartered Accountant from Sri Lanka is recognised as a professional of the highest calibre. In essence, we are not just producing accountants; we are producing future CEOs and business leaders.

The institute recently introduced a new curriculum. What are its key highlights and how does it better prepare students for the modern world?

The new curriculum is far more than an update; it represents a strategic recalibration of the accountant’s role for the 21st century. We are shifting towards developing professionals who are trusted advisors, strategic thinkers and compelling storytellers, equipped to lead and communicate effectively in a complex business landscape. Today’s CA must be able to interpret complex data, weave it into a compelling narrative about the past, present and future of a business and guide strategic decision-making with unwavering integrity. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, we’ve embedded a mandatory three-year practical training component. True mastery comes from doing. This ensures our students apply their learning in real-world scenarios, developing not just technical skill but the professional judgment and ethical fortitude required to be that trusted voice in the boardroom. 

Critically, the new curriculum is future-proofed. We have integrated dedicated modules on artificial intelligence and data analytics, empowering our CAs to harness technology for advanced forecasting, risk assessment and process automation. Furthermore, sustainability and integrated reporting are now embedded at the core, recognising that a modern accountant must be able to quantify and communicate a company’s environmental and social impact alongside its financial performance. 

Importantly, ethics is woven throughout the curriculum, ensuring that our graduates uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and professional responsibility. This holistic approach ensures that a CA Sri Lanka qualification produces leaders who are not just accountants but architects of sustainable, ethical and data-driven business strategy.

We have also introduced mid-level qualifications such as the Certified Business Accountant and Certified Corporate Accountant. These are pivotal as they provide students with valuable exit qualifications, enhancing their employability even before they complete the full programme. This modular approach allows students to earn, learn and gain professional recognition in stages, making the journey more flexible and rewarding. 

Can you give us a snapshot of the CA Sri Lanka community today?

Our community is our greatest strength. Today, we are a vibrant and growing global family of over 9,000 members who are shaping industries across the world. More importantly, we have a dynamic pipeline of over 40,000 students who represent the future of our profession. This year alone, we have seen a significant surge in new registrations, reflecting the growing appeal of the qualification. This powerful network is not just about numbers; it’s a lifelong support system.

Our members actively mentor students, create employment opportunities and collaborate to uphold the highest standards of the profession, both in Sri Lanka and internationally.

For a young student inspired by this conversation, what is the pathway to joining the CA Sri Lanka programme?

The pathway is intentionally designed to be accessible and merit-based, welcoming all talented students regardless of their A/Level stream or whether they come from a city or village.

We have two primary entry routes: students with a minimum of three simple passes at the G.C.E. Advanced Level can join directly, while those awaiting their A/L results can fast-track their journey by sitting for our exclusive Aptitude Test. This test is a strategic gateway, identifying candidates with the core analytical and logical reasoning abilities essential for success. Upon passing, students enrol directly in the Business Level, embarking on an exciting journey that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge professional education with the vital practical training I mentioned earlier. 

My advice to young students is simple: be bold. If you possess an aptitude for problem-solving, a passion for business and a desire to make a real impact. Our contemporary profession thrives on diverse thinkers. Please visit our website www.casrilanka.com to understand the pathway clearly and take that first decisive step. Alternatively, students can also contact our student hotline on 011 235 2020. 

At CA Sri Lanka, we are your launchpad, empowering you to transform potential into impact and lead the future of business with trust, strategy and transformation.