CMA Sri Lanka National Management Accounting Conference 2026 commences today

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka) will host CMA Sri Lanka National Management Accounting Conference 2026 today and tomorrow, at Cinnamon Life, The Forum, Colombo. 

The conference, themed ‘Crisis, Stability and Growth – A Management Accounting Lens’, will bring together distinguished local and international professionals, policymakers, academics, business leaders and members of the accounting profession to explore the evolving role of management accounting in addressing the global challenges and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The conference will commence with the Inaugural Session today, followed by a full day of technical sessions tomorrow. 

The event is designed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, professional dialogue and strategic insights into how the management accountants can contribute to organisational resilience, economic stability and long-term value creation.

The evening will include a welcome address by CMA Sri Lanka founder and President and CMA National Management Accounting Conference 2026 Chairman Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, highlighting the importance of management accounting professionals in navigating uncertainty, strengthening organisations and contributing towards national economic progress. The conference will also feature an address by South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) President Mohammed Humayun Kabir, emphasising the regional cooperation and evolving responsibilities of accounting professionals in South Asia.

A special guest address titled ‘Powering Stable Economic Growth through Cost and Management Accounting’ will be delivered by SAFA Past President and CMA Sri Lanka Advisory Council Member A.N. Raman. His address will focus on the strategic contribution of cost and management accounting practices in improving productivity, competitiveness and sustainable economic performance.

The conference will further recognise the long-standing partnership between Canada and CMA Sri Lanka through an address by High Commissioner for Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives Isabelle Martin. 

The collaboration between CMA Sri Lanka and Canadian professional institutions has played a significant role in strengthening management accounting education, professional standards and capacity building in Sri Lanka.

Professional excellence recognition

A significant highlight of the inaugural session will be the recognition of outstanding contributions to the accounting profession through several special awards and acknowledgements.

The CMA Certified Management Accountant Journal will be officially released during the conference. The journal will feature valuable insights on the developments in management accounting and highlight key aspects of the conference.

The Golden Anniversary Awards will recognise the members who have completed 50 years of service in the accounting profession, honouring their dedication, commitment and contribution towards professional and business excellence during this period. 

CMA Business Excellence Awards 2026 will recognise the outstanding CMA members for their professional achievements, leadership and contribution to the business community.

In addition, Merit Awards for the CMA Qualified Members will be presented to recognise their excellence, commitment and contribution to the growth and development of management accounting.

The conference will also recognise and appreciate the valuable support extended by the sponsors whose contributions have been instrumental in the successful organisation of this prestigious national event.

International keynote address

The inaugural session will conclude with a keynote address by CPA Australia Board President and Chair and Curtin Law School John Curtin Distinguished Professor Prof. Dale Pinto FCPA. Prof. Pinto’s keynote will provide an international perspective on the changing landscape of the accounting profession, importance of ethical leadership and role of professional accountants in creating sustainable value in an increasingly complex global environment.

The technical sessions will be coordinated and introduced by University of Kelaniya Marketing Management Department Head and Senior Lecturer and Conference Committee Technical Committee Co-ordinator Dr. Sugeeth Patabendige. 

As the Coordinator for Technical Sessions, Dr. Patabendige will brief the participants on the objectives, structure and key themes of the technical sessions, providing an overview of the discussions and highlighting their relevance to the current business environment.

The technical sessions will be held on day two of the conference. 

The sessions will provide the participants with practical knowledge and insights into how the management accounting tools and techniques can support organisations in managing crises, achieving stability and driving sustainable growth.

The vote of thanks will be delivered by CMA Sri Lanka Vice President H.M. Hennayake Bandara, acknowledging the contributions of the speakers, delegates, sponsors, organising committees and all stakeholders who have supported the successful organisation of the conference.