Triumph at CFA Institute Research Challenge: A Landmark Achievement for the University of Kelaniya’s Finance Department
View(s):The Department of Finance at the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, continues to affirm its stature as a beacon of excellence in finance education in Sri Lanka. Established in 2011, the department has rapidly evolved into a powerhouse of financial expertise, embodying its vision to push the boundaries of business thinking and produce globally competitive human capital. Offering a diverse portfolio of undergraduate programmes including Bachelor of Business Honours in Finance, Financial Engineering, Banking, and Insurance, Higher Diploma in Business Finance, and Master of Professional Finance, the department is a leader in nurturing the next generation of finance professionals. The Master of Professional Finance (MPF) programme holds the distinction of being the first postgraduate programme in Sri Lanka accredited by the prestigious CFA (USA) in addition to the two CFA-accredited undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Finance and Financial Engineering. The department’s commitment to quality management is underscored by receiving ISO 9001:2015 Quality Certification from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). The establishment of the Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) further demonstrates its dedication to empowering communities through financial education.
The department’s most remarkable achievement in 2025 was its historic success at the CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka, where two teams from the department secured both the Winner and Runners-up positions. Additionally, one of the two teams was secured to win the Best Report Award as well. This prestigious global competition, organised by the CFA Institute, is known for its rigorous demands on financial analysis, equity research, and presentation skills. The challenge provides students with an opportunity to gain real-word experience and showcase their skills on a global stage. This achievement was made possible through the expert mentorship of Lecturers in the department, Ms. Nethmi Herath, Ms. Sandali Sudasighe. Their guidance, industry expertise, and unwavering support played a crucial role in shaping the success of the students, reinforcing the department’s commitment to fostering excellence. Competing against 33 teams from the top universities in the country, the students of the Department of Finance demonstrated exceptional analytical abilities, investment research expertise, and strategic thinking, solidifying the
university’s reputation as a leader in finance education. Both the teams will now proceed to the Asia Pacific CFA Research
Challenge – Southern Asia sub regional stage, representing Sri Lanka, a milestone achievement that reflects the department’s dedication to producing world-class finance professionals.
The students of the department continued to excel in various other national and international competitions. The department claimed victory at the Acuity Championship Trophy inter-university finance quiz competition and secured first-runner-up positions at the Varsity Battles Inter-University Quiz Competition. The triumph in the Magnate 2024 Inter-University Debate Competition, organised by the Department of Finance, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, underscored the students’ exceptional critical thinking abilities and powerful speaking skills.
The Department of Finance at the University of Kelaniya remains committed to shaping the future of financial education while making a meaningful contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic development. A key highlight of the department’s initiatives is Investment Week, an annual flagship event organised by the Finance Students’ Association. This event features the country’s largest investment exhibition, the Investment Trade Show, along with the annual Banking and Insurance Summit, making it a standout occasion in the department’s calendar. Industry collaboration remains central to the department’s strategy, with over 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) established with key industry partners. These partnerships provide students with valuable opportunities, including internships, scholarships, and professional development programmes, while also strengthening the department’s academic and research capabilities. An upcoming agreement with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is set to further enhance these efforts, creating new pathways for collaboration and advancing financial literacy across the country.
With its remarkable achievements in 2025, especially the historic win at the CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka, and a bold vision for the future, the department continues to lead the way in nurturing finance professionals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!