On the 14th of October 2016, the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura turned another page in its colorful history by introducing a one year Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting (MPAcc) as part of its 25th Anniversary Celebrations. The inauguration ceremony of the new MPAcc programme was held at the Prof. Munasinghe Auditorium from 6.00 p.m. onwards in the presence of a representative gathering from academia, industry and alumni of the Department of Accounting.

The event was graced by Prof. Hemanthi Ranasinghe,  Acting Vice Chancellor and Dr Anura Kumara, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, while Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Managing Director & CEO of Robi Axiata Limited, Bangladesh, a distinguished past student of the Department participated as the key-note speaker. Dr Dileepa Samudrage welcomed the guests while Senior Prof. Mangala Fonseka explained the objectives, features and benefits of this programme. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Roshan Ajward. The staff of the Department headed by Dr Harendra Kariyawasam was in attendance.

By introducing this new MPAcc programme, the Department of Accounting aims to develop competent managers with sound theoretical and practical skills in accounting and related disciplines. It focuses on developing a new breed of managers with initiative and passion to steer their organizations to prosperity. The MPAcc programme also provides a foundation for those who wish to further their higher studies in Accounting. In achieving these aims, the programme provides an opportunity to study contemporary issues in accounting, finance and business management with an underlying emphasis on IT applications. Further, it offers a number of core courses and electives of practical significance to suit the diverse needs of participants.

Being the pioneer in academic accounting education, the Department of Accounting expects to extend its reach by providing this Master’s level extension degree programme and thereby contribute towards the upliftment of the society.