The Certified Management Accountants (CMA) Australia & New Zealand proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary in Sri Lanka this year. The series of year-long celebratory activities culminated with a grand celebratory event on the 22nd of November 2024 at the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo. The event was graced by esteemed attendees, including H. E. Mr David Pine, High Commissioner, New Zealand; Mr. David Cartney, Global Vice-President CMA (ANZ), Prof Janek Ratnatunga, Global CEO; CMA Regional Director for Sri Lanka, Kapila Dodamgoda, President of CMA Australia, Ashan Nissanka, current and past Council Members and lecturers. Also attending was Dr. Ana Sophana, CMA Regional Director for East Java, Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta in Indonesia; and Mr. Shakeeb Ahmed, CMA Regional Director for UAE.
The CMA education qualification was introduced in 1999 through a technical collaboration between The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and CMA Australia and in 2006, the Academy of Finance (AOF) was appointed as the Recognized Provider Institute in Sri Lanka. Over the past 25 years, CMA Australia has made substantial contributions to strategic management accounting education in Sri Lanka.
A significant number of top management professionals leading some of the largest corporations in Sri Lanka are part of the CMA Australia alumni also attended the event. This underscored the institute’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s corporate leadership.
Mr. Kapila Dodamgoda, CMA Regional Director for Sri Lanka, highlighted CMA (ANZ) Sri Lanka’s 25-year journey as one of the most dynamic and successful regions. He listed the institute’s key achievements: high-quality education, professional growth, and high recognition in Sri Lanka.
Prof Janek Ratnatunga, Global CEO gave the historical perspective, ICMA’s foundation, and the story behind the introduction and development of the CMA (ANZ) brand in Sri Lanka.
Mr. David Cartney, Global Vice-President CMA (ANZ), in his speech looked ahead, emphasizing ICMA’s global vision, the importance of Sri Lanka, and the opportunities of the future.
The highlight of the event was the awarding of the Grand Champion of the Management Accounting Profession (GCMAP) to and Mr. Manilka Fernando.
Mr. Ranel T Wijesinha, FCMA, being awarded the GCMAP by Mr. David Cartney, Global VP of CMA (ANZ). Also in the picture are Prof Janek Ratnatunga, Mr. Kapila Dodamgoda and, Mr. Ashan Nissanka
In 1999, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sri Lanka (ICASL), requested the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Australia (ICMA) to provide technical collaboration to conduct a course in the new area of strategic management accounting. Mr. Ranel T Wijesinha was the President who initiated the collaboration with ICMA (Australia) and the project came under the auspices of its Management Accounting Faculty chaired by Mr. Manilka Fernando.
For their insight and foresight, these two highly distinguished professionals were honoured by the Institute as Grand Champions of the Management Accounting Profession.
Mr. Manilka Fernando, FCMA, being awarded the GCMAP by Mr. David Cartney, Global VP of CMA (ANZ). Also in the picture are Prof Janek Ratnatunga, Mr. Kapila Dodamgoda and, Mr. Ashan Nissanka
Mr. David Cartney, Global VP of CMA (ANZ). and Prof Janek Ratnatunga appointing the Sri Lanka Region as the Global Provider for the Graduate Conversion Programme.
During the event, an Official Special Recognition document was given to Mr. Kapila Dodamgoda, the Sri Lanka Region Director, appointing the Sri Lanka region as Global Provider for the Graduate Conversion Programme.
Mr. Ashan Nissanka ,President of CMA Australia Sri Lanka Branch, delivered the vote of thanks