- Special commemorative first day stamp cover launched to commemorate twin milestones
- Conference attracts over 2000 delegates
Signifying an important milestone in the history of the country’s most anticipated business summit, the 40th National Conference of Chartered Accountants ceremoniously inaugurated to a houseful audience on Monday, 14th October 2019 at Waters Edge, Battaramulla in the presence of internationally renowned finance specialists, corporate and business leaders, policy makers, visionaries and entrepreneurs.
The 3-day event was inaugurated under the aegis of Ms. Fiona Wilkinson, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), while Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer - South Asia Region & Corporate Executive Vice President of Axiata Group Bhd delivered the keynote on the conference’s theme ‘Finding Your Mojo: A Journey of Self Discovery.’
Mr. Jagath Perera presenting a token to Ms. Fiona Wilkinson. CA Sri Lanka Vice President Mr. Manil Jayesinghe, Chairman of National Conference Committee Mr. Dulitha Perera, Chairman of the National Conference Technical Committee Mr. Moiz Rehmanjee, CEO Ms. Dulani Fernando and Secretary Mr. Prasanna Liyanage are also in the picture.
CA Sri Lanka also launched a special commemorative first day stamp cover to mark the diamond jubilee of CA Sri Lanka and the 40th anniversary of the National Conference which falls this year.
CA Sri Lanka President Mr. Jagath Perera presenting a copy of the special commemorative first day stamp cover to mark the diamond jubilee of CA Sri Lanka and the 40th anniversary of the National Conference to Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya in the presence of Ms. Fiona Wilkinson, Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne, Postmaster General, Mr. Rajitha K. Ranasinghe, Deputy Postmaster General (Operations), Mr. W. K. S. Sisira Kumara, Deputy Postmaster General (Western Province - South) and Mr. Shantha Kumara Meegama, Director, Philatelic Bureau.
Ms. Wilkinson highlighted that Chartered Accountants play a crucial role in strengthening the global economy due to the important role they play by strengthening the economies of their individual nations. “I think in a fast moving and unpredictable world, its easy to become overwhelmed. Therefore, we must harness our inner strengths, drive and focus to be the best we can be so that we can find that inner magic which helps us regain our inner mojo,” she said in her speech.
Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Wijayasuriya elucidated the word mojo to generating ‘Moments of Overwhelming Joy’. He emphasized the need to ensure that one generates this mojo with everyone he or she interacts with whether it be with peers, superiors or team members. He highlighted that a leader’s calling is more about igniting the mojo of others and less about igniting their own mojo. “We are at the top, but there are millions of people who are not as privileged as us. So, our vision should be about cultivating the mojo of others,” he said.
Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasized the need to appreciate even the most menial of tasks. “Say thank you, tell them what a great job they have done. When you show gratitude, it gives purpose to even the smallest of tasks,” he said.
He said that everyone complaints about slow economic growth and wait rather than driving it forward. “We must make it our responsibility to drive this growth forward. Business growth comes from economic growth and equally business growth can drive economic growth. I believe instead of waiting for economic growth, we must create that growth,” he said.
Dr. Wijayasuriya also said that business leaders can ignite and spread a nation’s mojo. “We as business leaders can ignite and spread a nation’s mojo, if we are positive. If we take challenges before us with a positive mindset and determination that will ultimately benefit our homes, organizations, nation and society at large,” Dr. Wijayasuriya added.
The conference which will conclude on 16th October 2019 following two days of technical sessions attracted over 2000 delegates including business leaders and c-suite executives were inspired by some of Sri Lanka’s renowned speakers to help them re-discover their passion and purpose and be a driving force across the corporate world and country.
Special invitees with CA Sri Lanka officials
CA Sri Lanka President Mr. Jagath Perera highlighted the challenges facing the accounting profession and the increasing need for members of the profession to transform and embrace technology if they are to continue to play an integral role in the corporate world. “The biggest challenge we face is the digital technological disruption followed by new regulations being enforced in relation to tax avoidance, transfer pricing, money laundering and bribery and corruption as well as ethics. Globalization is the third challenge. As professionals we must engage in this transformation and embrace change.”
Chairman of the National Conference Committee Mr. Dulitha Perera highlighted that the conference, which boasts of a 4-decade long history has witnessed a mega transformation, originating as a conference which attracted several hundreds to become Sri Lanka’s most inspiring business summit that surpasses over 2000 participants annually. He said Chartered Accountants have an important role to play in building the nation. “We must update ourselves with rapid changes taking place and their impact on the business environment. We must be fully equipped and be in the forefront to drive business and our country forward. I am sure this conference would provide you with the necessary impetus,” he said.
Chairman of the National Conference Technical Committee Mr. Moiz Rehmanjee emphasized that although mojo begins with the individual, it goes beyond personal level to the next level encompassing organizations and businesses. “The mundane daily routine, and the rat race, saps the purpose and passion of professionals including Chartered Accountants. Therefore, the National Conference in its 40th year aims to be an important platform to help professionals be the best they can be with purpose and passion, and not be subdued by the tides against them,” he said.
