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CA Sri Lanka Integrated Annual Report 2024 77
Public Sector Productivity Training Using IT Tools
Addressing the mounting demand for IT-based financial tools in public sector
institutions, APFASL developed and conducted specialized training programmes
focusing on Advanced Excel Techniques for efficient data management and
analysis. Additionally, training focused on the use of Power Query, Power BI, and
Power DAX facilitating data visualization and decision-making.
Two such training sessions were successfully delivered in 2024, to expand the
programme’s reach to regional locations by 2025. The event received positive
CPFA & APFASL Annual Conference feedback emphasizing the practical value of the training, specifically in terms of
improving productivity, and decision-making in ministries, departments, and local
government bodies.
Networking and Knowledge Enhancement
Annual Conference 2024
APFASL hosted its Fifth Annual Conference on the 1st of November, 2024, at the
CA Sri Lanka Auditorium under the theme, “Legislative Reforms Driving Economic
Change: The Role of Public Sector Professionals”. The theme was chosen to
reflect the crucial role of the recent legislative changes in shaping the country’s
economic trajectory. The conference included discussions on three cornerstone
Best Annual Report & Accounts (BARA) Awards sections of legislation: the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, the Public
Debt Management Act No. 33 of 2024, and the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.
Through insightful sessions, public sector professionals are taken through the
challenges and opportunities of these regulations.
Excellence in Public Sector Reporting
BARA Awards Ceremony 2024
The seventh annual Best Annual Report & Accounts (BARA) Awards for the
public sector was held on 2nd December 2024, at BMICH Colombo, celebrating
excellence in public sector financial reporting encouraging transparency,
accountability, and ethical practices in financial reporting.
Code of Ethics for public sector financial The event witnessed a record number of 264 entries demonstrating the growing
management professionals
interest and commitment to financial reporting excellence. At the event, 15
Gold, 20 Silver, and 16 Bronze awards were distributed across 12 categories,
recognizing the institutions that have adhered to Sri Lanka Public Sector
Accounting Standards (SLPSAS) and Ministry of Finance guidelines.
Progress in Financial Reporting and Ethical Standards
APFASL undertook several initiatives to improve the quality of financial reporting
and uphold ethical standards among its members. These include;
E Conversion of existing SLPSAS to align with the IPSAS May 2022 version in
collaboration with CA Sri Lanka and IFAC, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s public
sector accounting standards remain aligned with global practices.
E Drafting of a revised version of the Code of Ethics for public sector financial
management professionals with the intention of releasing it in 2025. This
revision aligns with the evolving professional standards emphasizing the
importance of ethical conduct in maintaining public trust.