A developing country must continuously invest in its educational landscape to cultivate the next generation of professionals, a responsibility Indraka Liyanage has consistently championed throughout his career. As Regional Risk Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at Habib Bank, and the immediate past President of AAT Sri Lanka, Liyanage brings both industry insight and institutional leadership to the conversation.
Beyond his executive role, Liyanage has served as President of the MBA Alumni Association of the Open University and Vice President of the Association for Risk Professionals in Sri Lanka’s banking sector. With over 33 years in banking and finance, he was named Best CRO in 2019 and Best Professional of the Year in 2023.
During his presidency, AAT Sri Lanka sharpened its focus on developing middle-level accounting and finance professionals equipped with practical skills, ethical grounding and industry readiness. Under Liyanage’s stewardship, the institute emphasised bridging theory with real-world application, enhancing employability, supporting professional advancement and contributing meaningfully to national economic development.
A Year of Successes
Liyanage’s departure from AAT Sri Lanka late last year follows a highly successful period for the institution. Among the most significant milestones achieved during his tenure was the rollout of a revised curriculum. “The new curriculum is designed to align with global accounting standards and emerging industry needs,” he says, “including digital finance, data analytics and sustainability reporting.”
Student impact remained central to his leadership agenda. Reflecting on 2025, Liyanage highlights several initiatives introduced under his watch, including the further digitisation of examination and student management systems, expanded partnerships with universities and professional bodies to create new higher-education pathways, and a strengthened commitment to regional engagement and inclusivity.
This focus on student empowerment earned national recognition. During Liyanage’s presidency, AAT Sri Lanka secured Gold at the National Business Excellence Awards organised by the National Chamber, as well as the Gold Award at the TAGS Awards presented by the Chartered Institute of Accountants.
Driving Sri Lanka’s Accounting and Finance Talent
Since its establishment in 1987, AAT Sri Lanka has played a vital role in developing Sri Lanka’s accounting and finance talent. Liyanage’s leadership built on this legacy by intensifying efforts to strengthen the pipeline from education to profession, expanding student reach while deepening the country’s technical and professional knowledge base.
“Our members come equipped with hands-on experience,” he explains. “That practical competence makes them more valuable to employers, and it is reflected in the strong employment outcomes of AAT-qualified individuals.”
Graduates trained under this model now serve across auditing, accounting, banking and business management. Liyanage notes that many continue their education and progress into leadership roles, both locally and internationally, influencing business decisions and operational efficiency across sectors. His emphasis on adaptability and applied learning has ensured graduates are prepared to meet both domestic and global challenges.
A Technological Transformation
Future-readiness was a defining theme of Liyanage’s tenure. He points to the accelerating impact of digitalisation, automation and data-driven decision-making on the accounting profession as a key driver of change.
“Our latest syllabus revision prepares future professionals for data analytics, accounting software applications, digital finance, cybersecurity, assurance and sustainability reporting,” he says. “Modern workplaces demand both technical expertise and analytical capability.” These competencies are complemented by training in communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Alongside curriculum reform, Liyanage oversaw a broader technological shift within AAT Sri Lanka, with examinations, student services and learning materials increasingly delivered through digital platforms. He sees this as a dual advantage—enhancing learning outcomes for students while enabling members to stay aligned with evolving career requirements through CPD programmes, webinars and digital modules.
Collaborative Development
Partnership-driven growth was another hallmark of Liyanage’s leadership. During his tenure, AAT Sri Lanka strengthened collaborations with universities, professional institutes and industry associations to create clearer academic and professional pathways for students.
Working closely with parent body CA Sri Lanka, and institutions such as the Postgraduate Institute of Management and the Chartered Institute of Secretaries, Liyanage helped expand opportunities for degree progression, credit transfers, structured internships and industry training. Similar pathways were developed through partnerships across the corporate and public sectors.
“Our aim has always been to cultivate graduates capable of competing on the global stage,” Liyanage says. “That makes international exposure and recognition essential.” To this end, partnerships with globally recognised accounting institutions have opened routes to advanced qualifications and overseas careers. He expects to see these relationships further strengthened in the years ahead.
Continuing the Journey
By the end of Liyanage’s presidency, AAT Sri Lanka had evolved from a traditional vocational body into a more agile, future-ready institution. Modernisation efforts focused on the curriculum, digital infrastructure and stakeholder engagement, reinforcing the institute’s service to students and the profession.
“Satisfaction is not the same as complacency,” he reflects. “The accounting profession must continue investing in its people, networks and technology to stay responsive to industry needs and maintain competitiveness both locally and globally.”