CFA Society Sri Lanka is pleased to announce Team A from the University of Kelaniya as the winners of the 18th edition of the CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka. This prestigious annual competition serves as a platform to nurture the talents of aspiring financial professionals.

In this year's finals, four outstanding teams—University of Colombo, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and two teams from the University of Kelaniya—demonstrated their expertise in equity research and financial analysis, competing for the coveted title.

The winning team, comprising of Salaama Sanoon (Team leader), Jithmi Gamage, Kings Karon, Liyoni Hapuarachchi and Nifal Munhim, mentored by Usama Jiffry, CFA and guided by Faculty Advisor Sandali Sudasinghe, will now advance to the sub-regional stage, competing against teams from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Given the number of teams that competed in this year’s competition, the runners-up team, Team B from the University of Kelaniya will also advance to the sub-regional stage, marking a first in Sri Lanka’s history of hosting this competition. The runners-up team comprised of Ravindu Abeykoon (Team leader), Nethuni Perera, Yasas Mallawarachchi, Nethmi Athukorala and Sachintha Rajapaksha supported by Chathun Heiyanthuduwa, CFA as the Industry Mentor and Nethmi Herath, CFA as the Faculty Advisor.

The qualifying teams will then progress to the Asia-Pacific regional round, and ultimately, the global finals (scheduled to be held in Chicago in May 2025), showcasing their analytical and research skills on an international stage.

Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane, CFA, President of CFA Society Sri Lanka, emphasised the significance of the CFA Institute Research Challenge in equipping students with essential skills for careers in finance and investment. "This competition is a vital avenue for students to develop technical proficiency, effective writing, and presentation skills," she stated.

Each participating team was mentored by an experienced CFA charterholder industry professional and guided by their respective university faculty advisor. The teams underwent comprehensive training on equity research and analysis, facilitated by Acuity Knowledge Partners, presentation skills training provided by Advi Academy, and technical analysis training supported by the Colombo Stock Exchange. This year's designated public listed company was Windforce PLC.

Senior Prof. Wasantha Kumara, Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka, graced the event as the Chief Guest. He commended the participants for their dedication to excellence and encouraged them to pursue continuous learning and innovation in the finance industry. Dilshan Wirasekera, Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange, graced the event as the Guest of Honor.

Vijith Karunaratne, CFA, Chair of the Research Challenge Committee, acknowledged the overwhelming response from universities across Sri Lanka, stating, that the society received 33 applications this year, reflecting the increasing interest and commitment of students toward advancing their careers in finance. This enthusiasm is inspiring, as these students represent the future of the industry."

The local finals, held at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, on Friday, 28th February 2025, saw each team present their detailed investment case to a distinguished panel of judges, which comprised of Dr. Buddhika Fernando, CFA, Assistant Director, Acuity Knowledge Partners, Dhinali Peiris, CFA, Transaction Advisor and Hiran Embuldeniya, Founder/Managing Partner, Ironwood Capital Partners.

Reflecting on their journey, Team Leader of the winning team, Salaama Sanoon noted that “The CFA Research Challenge has been a transformative journey in which my teammates and I gained hands on exposure in equity research and valuation, while navigating the complexities of a role in finance. Emerging as champions out of 29 teams was both surreal and rewarding, and we are grateful to have been part of this experience. It has already had a profound impact on our careers, and this is just the beginning. The knowledge and insights we gained will continue to guide us as we move forward. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to CFA Society Sri Lanka and all those who made this possible.”

The CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2024/25 was hosted by CFA Society Sri Lanka, with the Colombo Stock Exchange serving as the Platinum Partner for the competition.

Runners Up photo: The Runners-Up team, University of Kelaniya Team B with Vindhya Jayasekara, CFA (CEO Designate, Colombo Stock Exchange), Rasanja Perera, CFA (Vice-President, CFA Society Sri Lanka), Aruna Alwis (CEO, CFA Society Sri Lanka), Chathun Heiyanthuduwa, CFA (Industry Mentor) and Nethmi Herath, CFA (Faculty Advisor)

Image Caption : Winning Team photo, The Winning team with Chief Guest-Prof. K.L Wasantha Kumara (Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission), Guest of Honor-Dilshan Wirasekara (Chairman- Colombo Stock Exchange), Reseena Abdullah (Society Regional Director-CFA Institute), Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane, CFA (President-CFA Society Sri Lanka), Usama Jiffry, CFA (Industry Mentor) and Sandali Sundasinghe (Faculty Advisor).