CFA Society Sri Lanka launches ‘CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2025/26’

CFA Society Sri Lanka announced the launch of ‘CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2025/26’, the local round of the CFA Institute Global Research Challenge. 

The competition was officially inaugurated recently at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) bringing together university students, senior university representatives and industry mentors.

The Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university students with comprehensive training and hands-on mentoring in financial analysis, research, valuation and ethics. 

This year, the competition has drawn an impressive response, with 38 applications received from undergraduate teams across the island, of which 27 teams qualified following the pre-screening round. 

In the local leg of the competition, teams comprising three to five students from Sri Lanka’s leading public and private universities will prepare a detailed equity research report on a designated publicly listed company. 

The top four teams will advance to the local finals, where they will present their findings to a distinguished panel of judges, competing for a place in the Asia Sub-Regional round. The journey will culminate at the Global Final, scheduled for May 2026.

Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane, CFA, President of CFA Society Sri Lanka said, “This global competition provides Sri Lankan students with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills in equity research, report writing, and presentation on an international stage. It equips them with the technical expertise, ethical foundation, and confidence to become tomorrow’s leaders in the finance profession.”

Vijith Karunaratne, CFA, Chair of the CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2025/26 said, “The Research Challenge is more than a competition; it is an intensive learning experience.” Vindhya Jayasekera, CEO Designate of the CSE, lauded the competition for honing the competitors’ core competencies in the financial market. Aruna Alwis, CEO of CFA Society Sri Lanka, emphasized the global reach of the competition, noting, “Sri Lanka has been an active contributor to this global movement for nearly two decades, providing our students with the opportunity to shine on an international platform. It is inspiring to witness their growth, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.”