Lakshman Athukorala, appointed to Audit Advisory Committee of UNICEF

Lakshman Athukorala, retired Auditor General of Sri Lanka has been appointed to Audit Advisory Committee of UNICEF.

Lakshman’s journey began in December 1979 when he successfully completed his exams, marking the initiation of his association with ICASL. He swiftly transitioned to becoming a member in early 1980 and achieved the distinguished status of Fellow by mid-1985, reflecting his profound understanding of the field.

His contributions to ICASL went beyond the typical path of a chartered accountant. He served in various committees, playing a vital role in shaping the institution’s policies and standards.

Lakshman’s commitment extended even further as he took on roles such as advisor, Acting Secretary, and CEO of ICASL, demonstrating his willingness to take on challenging responsibilities and steer the institution during crucial periods.

In the realm of education, he served as both a lecturer and an examiner at different times at ICASL, imparting his knowledge and expertise to aspiring accountants. Additionally, he assumed the role of Director of the Business Finance Course of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Financial Administration conducted by ICASL, further cementing his status as an influential figure in the field.

With a career that spans several decades, he has not only contributed significantly to the development of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sri Lanka (ICASL) but has also extended his expertise globally, leaving a remarkable imprint on the international stage.

He has also being Auditing Government Institutions and reporting to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

He served as the Secretary of the Members Benevolent Society of Chartered Accountants and played a pivotal role in founding the Young Chartered Accountants Forum, eventually becoming its President.

His influence was not confined to Sri Lanka; he presented papers and conducted training programs on Financial Management across Asia, sharing his expertise with professionals in diverse regions.

Lakshman’s involvement in various publications by ICASL culminated in his authorship of the publication ‘Accounting and Auditing Education and Practices in Sri Lanka – 2021,’ a comprehensive resource that reflects his dedication to advancing the profession.

Athukorala’s career transcended borders. After starting as a practicing accountant and becoming a partner at Wickramasinghe Dayananda and Company, he transitioned to the commercial sector as a director of several companies. His international journey included a stint at the supreme audit institution in Papua New Guinea.

In 2001, Lakshman joined the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a Financial Management Specialist, embarking on a journey that would take him to 18 different countries. His work at ADB contributed significantly to the financial stability and development of these nations.

Other professional achievements further underscore his multifaceted expertise.

He served as a Member of the Governing Council of the Association of Accounting Technicians from January 1999 to March 2001, demonstrating his commitment to fostering excellence in the accounting profession. Additionally, he was a Forum Member of the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka.

Lakshman also made significant contributions to academia, serving as a Visiting Lecturer, Moderator, and Examiner for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 1995 to 2000.

His dedication to education extended to his work at ADB, where he authored numerous publications, including the groundbreaking ‘Accrual Budgeting and Accounting in Government and its Relevance for Developing Member Countries 2003.’

Furthermore, Lakshman holds other notable education qualifications, including being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA UK) and holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Warwick.

Recently, Athukorala achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career. He was appointed to the prestigious Audit Advisory Committee of UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, which operates in over 190 countries and territories, working to improve the lives of children through essential services.

This appointment follows his historic role as the first Sri Lankan to be appointed to a UN Audit/Oversight Committee in 2017 when he joined the Audit/Oversight Committee of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). His capabilities were further acknowledged as he was elected as the Chair of the same committee in 2022.

Lakshman’s extensive career spanning multiple continents has solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in finance, auditing, and corporate governance. Beyond his roles at UNICEF and UNIDO, he also serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee at the David Pieris Group and holds key positions on the Audit Committees, serving as an independent director at Assetline Finance Ltd, Thalawakelle Tea Estates, and Hayleys Consumer Products Ltd.

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