The deferral may prove to be blessing, since it has given everyone the time to fine-tune how virtual events are staged. Similar to the Tokyo Olympics, attending the event in-person is not possible for international delegates, however the world has changed and such events can now be staged virtually. This will be the first of possibly many CAPA Conferences where the conference is brought to the delegate, rather than requiring the delegate to travel to the conference.

This scenario is a very exciting development for CAPA, providing the opportunity to access a wider array of speakers and delegates, whilst reducing our carbon footprint. Aligning with the 42nd National Conference of Chartered Accountants also allows us to stage a truly international event, whilst ensuring of direct relevance to Sri Lanka and other countries in our region.

Accordingly, we are very grateful for the opportunity to team with CA Sri Lanka in this way. It has been thoroughly enjoyable to work with such professional colleagues as we designed the program, organised speakers and planned the event. Naturally, I am disappointed that I cannot be with those that do attend in-person and to spend some time in the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. Luckily, I have had the pleasure to visit a few times before and witness the many ‘wonders of the world’.

I hope the event meets the expectations of all delegates as we continue to build on the heritage of CAPA and CA Sri Lanka. Please enjoy!

Brian Blood
CAPA Chief Executive

Although the pandemic initially created setbacks, we used the crisis to think out of the box, and be innovative, and despite the pandemic, we were able to successfully host the annual flagship event of CA Sri Lanka, which is the National Conference of Chartered Accountants as a hybrid event, in January this year to an overwhelming response and participation.

Therefore, we are thrilled to inform you that while COVID-19 may prevent us from meeting physically in Colombo this year due to the numerous health regulations imposed by the authorities, we hope to welcome you virtually to the 20th CAPA Conference, which will be nothing less in terms of insights and thought-provoking deliberations as witnessed in the past.

I am also delighted to inform you that this year alongside the 20th CAPA Conference, CA Sri Lanka will also host the 42nd National Conference of Chartered Accountants in Colombo, simultaneously connecting accounting professionals including decision makers from all over the world.

In conclusion, I would like to extend my appreciation to the CAPA President and the Board for the confidence placed in us to host this landmark event in Colombo, and we are certain that we will live up to the expectations and will provide you with a conference to remember always!

Tishan Subasinghe
Chairman
National Conference and CAPA Conference Main Committee

As responsible citizens of this planet, the time has come to engage and deliberate on how we must move forward focusing on the larger picture, instead of only focusing on the profit of the corporate or success of an individual or group.

Amidst a global pandemic, which has thrown the entire world in to the deep end, and with new variants making its way, which is an indication that COVID-19 is far from over, I think now is the best time to collectively reevaluate our priorities as a society.

Therefore, I am extremely grateful to the organising committee of the 20th CAPA Conference and the 42nd National Conference for coming up with such a significant theme titled “Heritage: Many Businesses, One Planet.”

The National Conference of Chartered Accountants is recognised as the biggest business summit in Sri Lanka, annually attracting over 2000 delegates. Every year, it focuses on the increasing responsibilities on Chartered Accountants and their critical role in strengthening the economy at a global and local level.

As professionals who sit within the nerve centre of organisations, Accounting Professionals can play an extraordinary role in promoting greener investments which will ensure a greener economy, and a greener planet.

Therefore, I am certain that both the CAPA Conference and the National Conference of Chartered Accountants will be an incredible platform to deliberate our future, and how we must move forward as responsible professionals.

Dulani Fernando
Chief Executive Officer
CA Sri Lanka

Therefore, I am delighted to unveil ‘Heritage- Many Businesses, One Planet ’ as the theme of the 20th CAPA and 41st National Conference which will be hosted in Colombo, Sri Lanka from the 6th -8th October 2021.

The word HERITAGE has a universal connotation. It can be interpreted as a dynamic array of intangible and physical elements that give a unique identity to the people who foster it. HERITAGE is a gift. A gift handed down from one generation to the next. Continuing to engage in unsustainable development and business practices will have catastrophic repercussions on our planet and economy– Is this the heritage we want to pass on to our future generations?

These thoughts have formed the bedrock of the theme for our CAPA and National conference this year. Our theme resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the importance of considering Environmental, Social and Governance (or ESG) issues in our investment decisions. We feel our profession need to pay attention to how we as accountants can contribute to preserving our Planet and its People, our HERITAGE.

With this objective, we hope to challenge our profession whilst creating awareness of the gravity of climate change and get us to rethink on how we can help to build sustainable businesses whilst adding value to the economy and create long-term value by serving the interests of all stakeholders.

We also need to focus on our people. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has had and continues to have a grueling psychological effect on our workforce. Therefore, an area we wish to deliberate on is wellbeing and how we can help to create support systems within organizations for our employees.

We also feel we need to create awareness within our profession on how Information Technology, more specifically how Artificial Intelligence can be harnessed by businesses for the betterment of our Planet and its People and how we as finance professionals can be the catalysts to promote the use of the right artificial intelligence in business.

I look forward to having all you with us from 6th to 8th October 2021 to engage in some simulating and thought-provoking discussion under our theme, HERITAGE, Many Businesses One Planet

Anoji De Silva
Chairperson
National Conference Technical Committee