OPA holds 38th Annual Conference and 4th National Apex Awards

• Honours excellence, fosters professional collaboration

The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) successfully hosted its 38th Annual Conference and the prestigious fourth National Apex Awards on August 19 and 20, 2025, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. 

The two-day event celebrated professional excellence, fostered insightful dialogue on national development and recognised outstanding contributions across multiple disciplines.

The event commenced on August 19, 2025 with a distinguished inaugural ceremony, graced by the chief guest, Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and attended by key figures from the professional community, academia and the public sector. 

In his welcome address, OPA President Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake reaffirmed the OPA’s commitment to national development through professional collaboration and active engagement with the government. He emphasised the significance of the Annual Conference, which was taking place during the 50th anniversary of the OPA, marking five decades of multidisciplinary professional unity and collective efforts toward the advancement of the nation.

This was followed by a speech by President-Elect and Annual Conference Committee Chairman Jayantha Gallehewa, who elaborated on the relevance and timeliness of the conference theme ‘Resilience and Outpace Redefined: Thriving and Adapting’. He stressed the crucial need for resilience and adaptability to drive Sri Lanka’s progress, particularly at this pivotal juncture in its development journey.

In his address, Dr. Wickramaratne highlighted the vital role of professionals in nation-building, fostering innovation and contributing to a knowledge-based economy.

A highlight of the evening was the fourth National Apex Awards Ceremony, introduced by Panel of Judges Chairman Justice Priyasath Dep. These prestigious awards recognised the following professionals who have made exceptional contributions to their respective fields and to society at large: H.M. Hennayake Bandara – Finance, Banking and Taxation, Prof. P.B. Ranjith Dissanayake – Engineering Services, Dr. Malraj B. Kiriella – Marketing and Hospitality, Dr. R.M. Surantha Perera – Health and Medicine, U.R. De Silva, PC – Legal, Prof. (Emeritus) Chitra Wedikkara – Engineering Services.

The evening featured an impactful keynote address by Treasury and Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, who stressed the role of professionals in supporting the government’s efforts to develop the country.