Inaugural CPFA & APFASL Conference focuses on upholding trust, accountability and ensuring a sustainable public sector

Sustainable public sector financial management and the need to think forward while upholding trust and accountability in the public sector came under focus last week at the inaugural CPFA & APFASL Annual Conference organised by the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka (APFASL), which is the public sector wing of CA Sri Lanka.

The conference brought together a host of subject experts who shared their thoughts and insights at the event which was attended by public sector officials. The keynote speech was delivered by Mr. C. J. P. Siriwardana, Deputy Secretary General of the National Economic Council.

Mr. Gamini Wijesinghe, Auditor General spoke on ‘Enhancing accountability through the National Audit Act’, while Ms. Visaka Amarasekara, Director of the Department of External Resources spoke on ‘Budget deficits – its trends and implications for financing’. Mr. Dharmadasa Ranagala, Former Senior Commissioner of the Inland Revenue spoke on ‘Tax reform towards sustainable development and Dr. A. A. C. Abeysinghe, Senior Lecturer of the University of Colombo spoke on ‘Government budgeting in Sri Lanka – Are we on track’. Dr. N. Nagendrakumar, Director – Education and Training of CA Sri Lanka spoke on ‘Revisiting the institutional theory – Accrual accounting reforms in the public sector.’

The welcome speech was delivered by President of APFASL Mr. V Kanagasabapathy.

A panel discussion featured Vice President of CA Sri Lanka Mr. Manil Jayesinghe, Chairman, Task Force – Education and Professional Development Mr. Gregory Fernando, Mr. V Kanagasabapathy, Mr. Gamini Wijesinghe, Ms. Visaka Amarasekara, Mr. Dharmadasa Ranagala, Dr. A. A. C. Abeysinghe and Dr. N. Nagendrakumar who shared their thoughts on the importance of sustainable financial management in the public sector.

CA Sri Lanka President Mr. Jagath Perera, and CFO of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Tharaka Liyanapathirana also spoke at the event.