By: Staff Writer Colombo (LNW): One of the world’s largest accounting bodies has pledged to strengthen the organisation’s expansion plans in Sri Lanka. CPA Australia Global CEO Andrew Hunter and employees from CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific offices visited Colombo from 2 to 3 August and met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, business leaders, Government officials and local members. CPA Australia also announced that it has teamed up with local firm HLB Lanka Business Advisory to establish a new liaison presence in Sri Lanka. To celebrate CPA Australia’s announcement, an official reception was held in Colombo attended by the State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe and Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens. “The Sri Lankan economy is poised for growth. A strong and vibrant accounting and finance profession will help Sri Lanka reach its full economic potential. We want to contribute to this success in Sri Lanka,” Hunter said. “CPA Australia has more than 400 members working in Sri Lanka’s finance and accounting industry. There is a huge pool of promising young talent who are committed to pursuing an accounting or finance career. By expanding our presence in Sri Lanka, we are supporting the country’s economic success and improving career prospects for local professionals.” This announcement is the next step in CPA Australia’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s accounting profession. CPA Australia has previously established membership pathway agreements with The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka. “This is a significant progress for CPA Australia’s presence in South Asia. We are indebted to our member, Mr Dinuk Hettiarachchi FCPA (Aust.), for his strong support in growing CPA Australia’s presence in Sri Lanka,” added Hunter. CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 172,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 400 members in Sri Lanka. Its core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. It engages with Governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes.