About us

The Department of Accountancy (DoA) at the University of Kelaniya, established in 1993, was the first department of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies (FCMS). Committed to delivering high-quality education in accounting and related fields, the department aims to be the preferred choice for students and stakeholders in accounting education. It offers three specialized Bachelor’s degree programs: Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Accountancy, Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Auditing and Forensic Accounting, and Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Accounting Information Systems. Currently, the department has an undergraduate enrollment of 882 students and 180 postgraduate students, with no foreign students.

The vision of the Department of Accountancy is to make its programmes the first choice among students and stakeholders. Its mission is to develop students with academic and professional competencies that meet the demands of the competitive global environment through sustainable excellence in accounting education and research. The department also aims to enhance its position as a leading center of knowledge by fostering intellectual collaborations and undertaking strategic initiatives.

In 2019, the Department of Accountancy submitted its Self-Evaluation Report (SER) following the guidelines set by the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The SER was prepared by a dedicated team under the guidance of the Head of the Department. The report was reviewed by a panel appointed by the UGC, which conducted the review in the Department of Accountancy at the University of Kelaniya. The department was recognized for its excellence, receiving the highest marks within the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies.

The department’s success is a result of the commitment and collaboration of its academic staff, which has led to significant achievements, including securing a LKR 15 million grant under the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Project in 2019. The grant supports Enriching Learning, Teaching, Assessment, and English Language Skills Enhancement (ELTA-ELSE) Development Projects, focusing on improving curriculum effectiveness, English language skills, digitizing the learning process, enhancing extracurricular activities, and fostering a research culture among students. The AHEAD Project aims to integrate academic excellence with socio-emotional skills, preparing students for the workforce and for broader social and civic life.

Through these initiatives, the Department of Accountancy continues to set benchmarks in accounting education, aligning its programs with national and global standards to meet the evolving needs of the profession and the wider community.

The Department of Accountancy at the University of Kelaniya has a rich history marked by significant milestones and achievements that have contributed to its growth and development as a leading academic department.

• 1993: The Bachelor of Business Management (Accountancy) Special Degree was introduced, laying the foundation for specialized accounting education at the University of Kelaniya.

• 1995: The Accountancy Unit was formed, further expanding the focus on accountancy within the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies.

• 1998: The Department of Accountancy (DoA) was formally established, becoming the first department of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies at the University of Kelaniya.

• 1999: The department introduced the Internship in Accounting program, providing students with practical experience in the field of accounting.

• 2005: The department won a significant grant of Rs. 100 million from the World Bank's Improving the Relevance and Quality of Undergraduate Education (IRQUE) Project, which greatly enhanced its resources and capabilities.

• 2006: The first Accounting Forum was held, and the "Achiever Accountant Journal" was launched, marking the department’s commitment to fostering academic discourse and publishing.

• 2009: The Master of Accounting and Finance (MAF) degree program was launched, expanding the department’s offerings into postgraduate education.

• 2011: The department conducted its first Career Fair, providing a platform for students to connect with industry professionals and explore employment opportunities.

• 2012: The department continued its engagement with industry through the first "Idea Night" Felicitation Ceremony, honoring its industry partners for their support and collaboration.

• 2013: The first Journal of Case Studies in Accounting was published, and the department signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with key professional bodies such as CA Sri Lanka, Microsoft, and ACCA, enhancing collaboration and recognition.

• 2014: The department signed an MoU with Ernst & Young (E&Y) and introduced the Higher Diploma in Business Accounting (HDBA), further expanding its educational offerings.

• 2015: The department hosted the first International Conference for Accounting Researchers and Educators (ICARE), establishing an important platform for academic and professional exchange in the field of accounting.

• 2016: The Digital Recording and Evaluation System (DRESS) for DoA interns was launched, modernizing the internship evaluation process and enhancing the learning experience for students.

• 2017: The department published the first Online Journal of Accounting Research and Educators, providing a digital platform for disseminating research in the field.

• 2018: The Department of Accountancy achieved an "A" grade for its Self-Evaluation Report (SER), reflecting its high standards in education and management.

• 2019: The department won the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Project grant, supporting initiatives to improve learning, teaching, and assessment methods.

• 2020: The Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Auditing and Forensic Accounting degree was introduced, catering to the growing demand for specialized education in forensic accounting.

• 2021: The first International Journal of Accountancy (IJA) was published, and the department signed MoUs with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), strengthening its industry ties.

• 2022: The Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Accounting Information Systems (AIS) degree was introduced, reflecting the department’s response to the evolving needs of the accounting profession. An MoU was also signed with the Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA).

• 2023: The department signed an MoU with Fortude (Pvt) Ltd., expanding its partnerships and opportunities for students in the field of accounting information systems.

These milestones highlight the Department of Accountancy's continuous commitment to excellence in education, research, and industry collaboration, making it a leading department within the University of Kelaniya and beyond.