Sustainable public sector financial management and the need to think forward while upholding trust and accountability in the public sector came under focus at the inaugural CPFA & APFASL Annual Conference organized by the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka held recently.
A section of the participants at the conference
The conference brought together a host of subject experts who shared their thoughts and insights at the event on the topic. The keynote speech was delivered by Mr. C.J.P. Siriwardana, Deputy Secretary General of the National Economic Council.
Mr. Kanagasabapathy, President APFASL emphasized the importance of the conference to bring together the APFASL and CPFA members annually to provide continuous professional education to proliferate into new and improved ways of achieving the national objectives.
Mr. Gamini Wijesinghe, Auditor General spoke on ‘Enhancing accountability through the National Audit Act’, while Ms. Visaka Amarasekara, Director of the Department of External Resources spoke on ‘Budget deficits – its trends and implications for financing’. Mr. Dharmadasa Ranagala, Former Senior Commissioner of the Inland Revenue spoke on ‘Tax reform towards sustainable development and Dr. A.A.C. Abeysinghe, Senior Lecturer of the University of Colombo spoke on ‘Government budgeting in Sri Lanka – Are we on track’. Dr. N. Nagendrakumar, Director – Education and Training of CA Sri Lanka spoke on ‘Revisiting the institutional theory – Accrual accounting reforms in the public sector.’
A panel discussion featured the speakers as well as Mr. Manil Jayesinghe, Vice President of CA Sri Lanka, Mr. V. Kanagasabapathy, President of APFASL and Mr. Gregory Fernando, Chairman, Task Force – Education and Professional Development who shared their thoughts with the participants comprising of CPFA Members.
The panel discussion in session with CA Sri Lanka Vice President Mr. Manil Jayesinghe, Chairman, Task Force – Education and Professional Development Mr. Gregory Fernando, Mr. V Kanagasabapathy, Mr. Gamini Wijesinghe, Ms. Visaka Amarasekara, Mr. Dharmadasa Ranagala, Dr. A. A. C. Abeysinghe and Dr. N. Nagendrakumar.
CA Sri Lanka President Mr. Jagath Perera, and CFO of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Tharaka Liyanapathirana, also spoke at the event. Mr. Ananda Amarawansa, the Secretary APFASL delivered the vote of thank.