CIMA celebrates 60 years of leadership and impact in Sri Lanka

16 June 2025, Colombo – The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) proudly marks its 60th anniversary in Sri Lanka, celebrating six decades of excellence in finance and business across the island.

Established in 1965 with just 22 members under the leadership of M.V. Frank Hayhurst and Prof. Deshamanya M.T.A. Furkhan, CIMA Sri Lanka has become a thriving community that champions innovation, resilience, and leadership, empowering people, businesses, and economies to grow and transform. Over the past six decades, it has enabled thousands of Sri Lankans to build their dream careers in finance and business both in Sri Lanka and overseas. Today, the island is home to one of the largest communities of CIMA members and CGMA candidates worldwide.

In addition, three Sri Lankans have served as CIMA President – Aubrey Joachim (2009-2010), Amal Ratnayake (2019-2020), and Melanie Janine Kanaka (2022-2023) – showcasing the country’s impact and influence on the global finance profession. CIMA Sri Lanka also played an active role in the creation of the joint venture between CIMA and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), to form the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the world’s largest professional body for management and public accountants.

“CIMA Sri Lanka’s journey is one of resilience, impact, and continued relevance. For over 60 years, we have stood as a pillar of professional excellence – shaping the finance and business landscape of the nation. While our legacy is deep-rooted, our focus is firmly on the future. As the world of business evolves, we remain committed to equipping Sri Lanka’s finance professionals with the foresight, skills, and ethical grounding to lead with confidence. Our purpose is clear: to empower Sri Lanka’s brightest minds to drive sustainable success – for their organisations, their communities, and the country. It’s a legacy that continues to inspire generations to thrive – today, tomorrow, and beyond,” said Venkkat Ramanan, FCMA (UK), CGMA, Vice President – Asia Pacific at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

“CIMA Sri Lanka’s sixty-year story is ultimately a human story – one written by thousands of professionals who chose excellence, embraced challenge, and never stopped growing. As Country Head and a proud CGMA designation holder, I see my role as both guardian of this remarkable legacy and architect of its future. What we have built together transcends professional development. We have created a community where mentorship flows freely, where success is shared, and where each member’s achievement elevates us all. From our volunteers who give countless hours to nurture the next generation, to our partners who trust us to develop their future leaders, everyone has played a vital role in making CIMA Sri Lanka what it is today. As we embark on our next sixty years, I’m energised by the possibilities ahead and honoured to lead this extraordinary community forward,” emphasised Tharindu Wijewardana, ACMA (UK), CGMA, Country Head – Sri Lanka at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

“Sixty years ago, a small group of pioneers laid the foundation for what would become one of Sri Lanka’s most respected professional communities and its impact on the finance profession – both on the island and globally – has been truly remarkable. As we look to the future, I am confident that CIMA Sri Lanka will continue to drive meaningful change for people, businesses, and economies for years to come,” added Andrew Harding, FCMA (UK), CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

CIMA kicked off its 60th anniversary celebrations with the SHIFT25 Summit on 12 June 2025 in Colombo, bringing together movers and shakers of the finance and business community to explore the future of transformation, the power of technology, and long-term value creation.