An efficient Public Sector and an accountable Management Accounting System are essential to ensure the country’s sustainable development – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, as Sri Lanka continues its recovery from the economic crisis, an efficient public sector together with an accountable management accounting system is essential to ensure the country’s sustainable development.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the CMA Sri Lanka National Management Accounting Conference 2026, organized by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka), held in Colombo on 20 July.
The theme of the two-day conference, held on 20 and 21 July at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo was “Crisis, Stability and Growth: A Management Accounting Lens.”
During the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister officially launched the CMA National Management Accounting Conference Journal and presented the Golden Jubilee Awards to senior professionals in recognition of 50 years of service to the accounting profession. During the event, CMA Sri Lanka awarded 100 full scholarships to the Government for public sector officers to pursue the CMA Management Accounting Programme.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
In the face of today’s global uncertainty, management accounting is far more than financial reporting. It is a vital tool that supports sound strategic decision-making in both the public and private sectors.
Sri Lanka is now steadily emerging from its financial crisis following the sacrifices made by the people and the straight forward policy decisions taken by the Government. With notable progress in the manufacturing, tourism, and financial sectors, the World Bank has reclassified Sri Lanka as an upper-middle-income economy. The challenge before us now is to further consolidate economic stability while building a competitive and resilient economy.
During the past several years, a number of government institutions and ministries had failed to submit their annual financial statements and audit reports. Through the interventions of the present Government, steps have been taken to update these reports. Going forward, legal action will be taken against all institutions and officials who fail to submit financial reports on time or violate the required standards. Decisions within the public administration must not be driven by personal agendas but by evidence, data, and scientific analysis. In keeping with evolving global requirements, it is also important that we move beyond traditional accounting practices and give due consideration to environmental degradation and social costs that are often overlooked.
Under the Government’s ongoing education reforms, vocational training programmes and a one-year institutional internship will be incorporated into the Advanced Level curriculum. To successfully implement these initiatives, the Government looks forward to the support of recognized institutions and organizations across the country.
I also appreciate the contribution made by professional institutions, including CMA Sri Lanka, in producing professionals who possess the ethical values and strategic thinking required to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
The occasion was attended by the High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Ms. Isabelle Martin, President of CPA Australia, Professor Dale Pinto, Founder and President of CMA Sri Lanka, Professor Lakshman R. Watawala, members of CMA Sri Lanka, and local and international participants.
