CA Sri Lanka unveils Leadership Academy and governance publications

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) on launched its CA Leadership Academy and unveiled a suite of governance publications in a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening board-level capability and advancing professional governance standards in Sri Lanka.

The launch was held under the patronage of the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, who attended as Chief Guest. 

The event also drew a host of distinguished dignitaries, including Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma; University of Kelaniya Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva. 

The Academy was formally launched by CA Sri Lanka President Tishan Subasinghe and Vice President Anoji de Silva, in the presence of members of the Council, Past Presidents, and CEO Lakmali Priyangika. 

The Academy offers two structured programmes. The CA Director and Corporate Leadership Programme for the Private Sector is an eight-week course covering topics from directors’ responsibilities to digital and AI governance. The Board Leadership Programme for State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Directors is a six-week course focused on governance and public value creation.

Speaking at the launch, Subasinghe said technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient for today’s boardroom responsibilities. “The CA Leadership Academy is our investment in developing leaders who think like directors, who can challenge assumptions, assess performance, and uphold accountability.”

Subasinghe urged members to view the Academy not merely as a professional development opportunity, but as a responsibility. “Strong governance is shaped by people with the knowledge, judgement, and integrity to act responsibly. This is an investment in building those leaders,” he added.

Sharing her thoughts, de Silva said the Academy marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s evolution. “This initiative goes beyond technical training. It strengthens the leadership capability of our members who already serve in board and C-suite roles, enabling sharper judgement, stronger oversight, and a sustained focus on long-term value creation.”

Alongside the launch of the Academy, CA Sri Lanka also introduced a suite of governance publications, reinforcing its commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.

The launch featured four key publications: Guidelines on AI for Finance Professionals, the Guideline on IT Governance for Directors, Sustainability Governance Code, and the Action Plan for Combating Fraud in Public Sector Entities. The action plan on fraud was developed in collaboration with the University of Kelaniya.