CASS holds 39th Int’l CA Students’ Conference

The 39th International CA Students’ Conference, organised by the Chartered Accountants Students’ Society of Sri Lanka (CASS), was successfully held recently at Monarch Imperial Hotel, Colombo, under the theme ‘Transform Mindset, Transcend Boundaries’.

The event brought together more than 500 CA and non-CA students from across Sri Lanka, alongside foreign student delegates representing South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. With a student body of over 44,000, the CASS continues to foster growth, leadership and global collaboration.

CASS President Ruqayyah Hameed, Vice President PP Shizan Aswar, Vice President NPP Rushik Dilantha, General Secretary Thilina Pinsara and Conference Chairperson Frayan Theekshana led the conference, which was graced by Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu as the chief guest. 

Also in attendance were CA Sri Lanka Vice President Tishan Subasinghe, Council Member and Advisor to the Conference Thivanka Jayasinghe, CASS Patron Sujeewa Rajapakse, CA Sri Lanka CEO Lakmali Priyangika and several CA Sri Lanka council members.

The keynote address was delivered by Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd Chief Technology and Information Officer Asanga Ranasinghe, on the topic ‘Industry 4.0 & 5.0: The Next Industrial Revolution’. He emphasised how future accountants must be tech-aware and ready to lead in a fast-changing digital world.

An expert panel discussion, moderated by Moore Aiyar Partner and Moore Consulting (Pvt.) Ltd Director Nishani Perera, featured top industry professionals including Ernst & Young Sri Lanka Economist and Director Talal Rafi, Deloitte Sri Lanka Partner Thivanka Jayasinghe, Brandix Group Managing Director Hasitha Premaratne, University of Kelaniya Senior Lecturer Dr. Sugeeth Patabendige and Surge Global Founder and Chief Growth Officer Bhanuka Harischandra. Their discussion focused on leadership, technology, economics and the evolving role of finance professionals in shaping the future of business and society.

Other inspiring guest speakers included Bathiya Jayakody, a creative director known for his cultural influence, who delivered a session titled ‘The Rhythm of Innovation’ and Peter D’Almeida, a renowned actor, activist and tech entrepreneur.