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US training on Accounting Standards & IT

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2023

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The first group of Sri Lankan public sector accounting and auditing professionals participated in Sri Lanka Public Sector Accounting Standards 11-20 through a training by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and its public sector wing, the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka (APFASL).

The U.S. Government, through its development arm – the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) – supported the training under its Partnership for Accelerating Results in Trade, National Expenditure, and Revenue (PARTNER) activity.

The first 50 of a total 600 public sector accountants and auditors learned about the standards, which provide a framework for preparing and presenting financial statements under the accrual accounting system in line with international best practices. The partnership of USAID, CA Sri Lanka, and the APFASL will also train 1,200 public sector workers on the effective application of IT systems for data management, analysis, and strategic decision-making.

“As one of the country’s longstanding development partners, we are committed to help strengthen and streamline Sri Lanka’s public financial management practices and thereby its path to recovery,” USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director Gabriel Grau said at the inaugural training. “Further strengthening skills and competencies of key accounting and auditing professionals can help contribute to this long-term goal through improved financial analysis, planning, and management”.

In his opening remarks, Mr. V. Kanagasabapathy, President of APFASL, said: “Strong public financial management is imperative to achieve the long-term goals of any country, therefore, in our standing as the public sector wing of CA Sri Lanka, APFASL has taken immense pride in being a catalyst in helping strengthen the public financial management practices in Sri Lanka. We are delighted that the U.S. Government has recognized our important work and is supporting our efforts to help public sector accounting and auditing professionals perform better.”

Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, CA Sri Lanka Vice President said, “The public sector in Sri Lanka is considered to be large in comparison to the size of our economy, employing approximately 1.5 million people. This sector also holds the key to helping change the lives of 22 million people. Excellent public financial management will play a critical role in achieving this important objective and improve productivity of the sector. As the national body of accountants, CA Sri Lanka together with APFASL are committed to helping the public sector contribute effectively to the economy. The launch of this landmark program with USAID is part of our continuing efforts to achieve this crucial goal.”

News

‘National Injury Prevention Week’ begins today

Published

28 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

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The Ministry of Health has declared a ‘National Injury Prevention Week’, which will be observed from today (July 07) until July 11.

Consultant Community Physician – Dr. Samitha Siritunga, Head of the Accident Prevention Unit under the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases Division (NCD), stated that out of Sri Lanka’s 145,000 total annual deaths, between 10,000 – 12,000 are due to sudden injuries.

Alarmingly, over 7,500 – 8,000 deaths occur before the victims can reach hospital care, he further said.

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Pilot project to upgrade meal plans for hospital inpatients

Published

29 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

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Plans are underway to launch a new initiative to provide high-quality, nutritious, and appetizing meals to inpatients at government hospitals.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media announced that a pilot project will kick off at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

The plan was discussed at a recent meeting chaired by Health and Mass Media Minister – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with senior ministry officials, hospital administrators, nutritionists, and doctors from the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians in attendance.

Minister Jayatissa noted that while the government allocates a significant budget each year for hospital food services, there are concerns of whether the system actually delivers, providing wholesome meals for the patients and justifying the funds spent.

He highlighted that patient satisfaction with hospital meals has never been properly assessed and stressed the need to overhaul both the menu and the delivery system.

The pilot project at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital will see each patient receive a customized plate with rice, vegetables, and proteins served separately, instead of the traditional single-plate meal.

Doctors advised that visually appealing and well-arranged meals can help lift patients’ appetites and encourage better nutrition.

The discussion also addressed challenges at Apeksha Hospital, including a staff shortage despite having a modern kitchen capable of preparing meals for up to 2,000 people.

The need for specialized training for kitchen staff in modern food preparation and service techniques was emphasized, along with a proposal to rename the kitchen as the “Food and Beverages Department” to reflect improved standards.

Participants recommended upgrading kitchen facilities by replacing gas stoves with steam-powered equipment and introducing new technology to maintain food quality and safety.

Minister Jayatissa pledged quick action to address these issues, adding that the government hopes to expand the project to all state hospitals nationwide.

Additional Secretaries – Sunil Galagama and Salinda Bandara, Director General of Health Services – Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of Apeksha Hospital – Dr. Aruna Jayasekara, President of the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians – Dr. Thimathi Wickramasekara, as well as several senior doctors and nutritionists were present at the meeting.

News

Special traffic plan in Borella today

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

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Police have announced a special traffic plan that will be implemented in Borella today (July 07) due to an event marking the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Priesthood of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The event is expected to draw a large number of invited guests, including religious dignitaries, government officials, and members of the clergy.

To ease congestion, heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering the stretch between Kynsey Road junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda junction on Ward Place between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm within the Borella Police Division.

Police have requested motorists to use alternate routes during this time.