The newly inducted President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), Mr. Tishan Subasinghe, unveiled a transformative two-year vision centred on the powerful theme of “CONNECT,” charting a strategic course to elevate the profession and its stakeholders in an increasingly globalised world.
Mr. Subasinghe was formally inducted as the 28th President of CA Sri Lanka at a distinguished ceremony held at Shangri-La Colombo on 20 January 2026, which was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Jean Bouquot, Guest of Honour Honourable Justice Yasantha Kodagoda of the Supreme Court, and Immediate Past President of SAFA, Mr. Ashfaq Tola. The event was attended by Vice President Ms. Anoji De Silva, Immediate Past President Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, members of the Council, Past Presidents, and CEO Ms. Lakmali Priyangika, alongside a gathering of esteemed members and dignitaries.
Accepting the presidency with “respect, humility, and a solemn sense of duty,” Mr. Subasinghe outlined a forward-looking agenda. He emphasised that in an era of rapid technological advancement and disruption, the accounting profession is evolving from traditional financial roles to encompass strategic leadership, technological expertise, and ethical stewardship. “Accountancy is not a dying profession, but a fast-changing one,” he said.
It is within this context that the theme “CONNECT” was introduced as a strategic imperative. President Subasinghe articulated a multi-faceted approach to connection: linking the profession’s esteemed past to its dynamic present and future; deepening bonds with existing stakeholders; and forging new alliances to uplift the national and international standing of CA Sri Lanka’s members and students.
Mr. Subasinghe framed the theme as a pivotal strategic evolution. “Having built a robust platform for a future-ready profession, our focus now shifts to actively connecting with our diverse stakeholders. While we cherish our existing relationships, we are committed to deepening these bonds and forging vital new ones. Ultimately, this initiative is about empowering every member to represent our distinguished profession with the authority and respect it commands,” he said.
“In an era defined by rapid change, our greatest strength lies not just in our expertise, but in our relationships. True progress is built on strong, meaningful connections with each other, with the global community, and with the future we are shaping together,” he said.
Noting that over 30% of CA Sri Lanka qualified chartered accountants work overseas, Mr. Subasinghe stressed the need to further empower members for international success. Key new initiatives under the “Connect” theme will include a new Business Language School offering programmes in Business English, French, and Mandarin, as well as scholarships for public sector diplomats.
Another important initiative will be a national-level CSR programme to enhance English language skills among schoolchildren via e-learning. Furthermore, the establishment of new faculties in Business Law & Regulatory Compliance as well as Forensic Accounting & Investigations will build specialist capacities.
President Subasinghe further emphasised the profound impact of CA Sri Lanka’s membership, both domestically and internationally.
“Our members form the very backbone of the national economy, rigorously fulfilling local requirements as professional accountants in business and in practice. Their influence, however, extends far beyond these traditional roles, as our members form a vibrant tapestry of entrepreneurs, top-tier academics, innovative researchers, CEOs, and corporate chairpersons, driving progress across every sector.”
He also highlighted the powerful international standing of the CA Sri Lanka qualification, noting its role in creating a global network of professionals. “The global footprint of a CA Sri Lanka qualification is a powerful testament to its standing. Over 30% of our membership is currently working overseas in diverse and influential capacities, from financial centres to corporate boardrooms.” Drawing from personal experience, he added, “I can personally attest to this global mobility, having worked in the USA and Botswana with a leading global accounting network.”
Detailing the Institute’s strategic efforts to support this worldwide community, Mr. Subasinghe highlighted, “To actively support this international reach, we have forged agreements with professional accountancy organisations worldwide. This framework is bolstered by our 10 active overseas chapters across key international jurisdictions. The scale of this presence is significant; in Australia alone, we have a thriving community of over 1,000 members contributing their expertise.”
Reaffirming the profession’s role in nation-building, Mr. Subasinghe noted that CA Sri Lanka and its members have consistently been at the forefront, providing essential solutions to stakeholders across the economy, from SMEs and corporations to the public sector and policymakers, all driven by the mission to advance the nation. “We are actively contributing to nation-building activities, driven solely by the agenda of keeping our country on top,” he said.
He also emphasised that the work of the new Council for the next two years is already mapped out, encompassing a range of new initiatives designed to strengthen connections while ensuring the seamless continuity of its core operations. “While I have highlighted a few of these initiatives, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Rather than providing further detail now, it is more appropriate to let our actions speak for themselves over the coming two years, all unfolding within the overarching framework guided by our central theme,” he added.
