The Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AAT Sri Lanka) marks a significant milestone in its journey with the Induction Ceremony of Dr. Chamara Bandara as the 14th President of AAT Sri Lanka. The prestigious event, held under the theme “THINK BEYOND,” took place on 11th March 2026 at Shangri-La Colombo, bringing together distinguished professionals, industry leaders and members of the accounting fraternity to celebrate this important leadership transition.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Nayana Dehigama, Chairman and Managing Director of Epic Technology Group, while Mr. Tishan Subasinghe, President of CA Sri Lanka, attended as the Guest of Honor.

Dr. Chamara Bandara’s appointment signals the beginning of a new era for AAT Sri Lanka, guided by a vision of leading with purpose and strengthening the Association’s role in shaping the future of accounting professionals in the country. Dr. Bandara first served as a Council Member of AAT Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2015 and later returned to the Council for the 2020– 2023 term, contributing his expertise to the strategic direction of the Association.

In recognition of his commitment and leadership, he was elected Vice President of AAT Sri Lanka for the term 2024–2025, where he played a key role in supporting governance initiatives, enhancing stakeholder engagement and advancing the Association’s professional and educational objectives.

Extract from the President’s Speech

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chamara Bandara emphasized the importance of evolving with the changing landscape of the accounting profession.

“The accountant of tomorrow will not simply record transactions. They will interpret complex financial ecosystems, integrate digital technologies and safeguard governance, ethics and trust. As the profession evolves from compliance to intelligence and from reporting history to predicting the future, we must challenge ourselves to go beyond traditional boundaries. That is why our theme is simple yet powerful – Think Beyond.”

He further highlighted that thinking beyond requires institutions and professionals alike to move beyond geographical boundaries, outdated mindsets and comfort zones in order to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The induction ceremony also acknowledged the contributions of the Immediate Past President, Mr. Indraka Liyanage, whose leadership has guided the Association’s continued growth.

Founded in 1987 in response to a mandate by the Asian Development Bank, AAT Sri Lanka was established to address the shortage of qualified accounting professionals in the country. Over the years, the Association has evolved into a leading professional body dedicated to developing skilled middle-level accountants who play a vital role in strengthening the SME sector and driving national economic growth.

AAT Sri Lanka’s examinations and educational programs are offered in Sinhala, Tamil and English, ensuring accessibility for a diverse student base across the country. The Association also enjoys strong international recognition, becoming a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in 2017 and a full member of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) in 2015, reinforcing its global standing.