News

U.S. launches training to strengthen Lanka’s Public Sector accounting and auditing capabilities

Published

4 years ago

2022/06/19

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung with members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka (APFASL)

The U.S. Government, through its development agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is partnering with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka (APFASL) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s accounting and auditing sectors. This partnership will train approximately 600 public sector accountants and audit professionals, and 1,200 officers on IT applications and other platforms that support strategic decision making, the US Embassy in Colombo said.

Speaking at the official launch of the training program, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung said: “The U.S. is excited to provide public sector professionals with the necessary tools to further strengthen their knowledge on compliance requirements and contribute towards greater accountability in the public sector. As one of Sri Lanka’s longstanding development partners, our vision is to help the country to emerge from crises stronger than before.”

The training will focus on Sri Lanka’s Public Sector Accounting Standards (SLPSAS), which provide a framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements in compliance with international best practices for quality financial accounting and reporting. The training, conducted in all nine provinces, will strengthen the capacity of public sector accounting and auditing professionals on the recent developments and applications of SLPSAS 11-20, enhancing public sector financial management functions and reporting as well as improving financial analysis, planning, and management in the public sector.

“Strong public financial management is very critical for Sri Lanka to achieve its long-term goals. Therefore, APFASL in its capacity as the public sector wing of CA Sri Lanka, has been playing a critical role in strengthening public financial management practices in line with international best practices. The collaboration with USAID comes at a very opportune time as we continue to strive to enhance public sector accounting and auditing professionals so that they continue to remain relevant. This partnership with USAID is also a testament to the important work both CA Sri Lanka and APFASL have been doing to enhance the sector”, said Sanjaya Bandara, President of CA Sri Lanka.

Additionally, the training program will strengthen public sector finance professionals’ effective use of IT systems to support strategic decision-making across all provinces.

As the facilitator of the training, the APFASL will support the implementation of the National Policy on Fiscal Management and enhance financial management systems in public institutions, universities, and local governments.

“Since its inception, APFSL has been at the forefront in developing the professional skills and expertise of the public sector accountants and auditors, and chief among the numerous groundbreaking initiatives the association launched was to publish the Sri Lanka Public Sector Accounting Standards. APFASL was launched with the vision to help lead the public financial management to excellence while helping the sector to continue to play a pioneering role in Sri Lanka. Therefore, I take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to USAID for recognizing our efforts”, said V. Kanagasabapathy, President of APFASL.

All News Advertisement

News

Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

13 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

13 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

13 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.