"Decoding Deception: Unveiling Truth"

The Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, successfully hosted Forensic Enigma'25 on the 7th of February 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Marking its second consecutive edition, the event celebrated the students who successfully completed the Internship Program of the Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Auditing and Forensic Accounting degree programme and honoured industry partners for their invaluable support.

In an era where financial fraud and corporate deception have become increasingly sophisticated, the event underscored the crucial role of forensic accountants in safeguarding organizations and economies. The University of Kelaniya, having pioneered Sri Lanka’s first forensic accounting degree programme, reaffirmed its commitment to equipping students with analytical, investigative, and technological skills necessary for combating financial fraud and misconduct.

Forensic Enigma’25 fostered stronger ties between academia and the corporate sector while recognizing the perseverance and dedication of graduates. A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of the best performers in the internship programme for their outstanding performance. Accordingly, Kaumadi Hettiarachchi won first place, while  Yashmi Polwaththa and Ishara Wickramarathne won second and third place, respectively. Additionally, the event witnessed the selection of the "Emerging Fraud Examiner – UoK" from the Forensic Accounting Alumni – UoK, further acknowledging excellence in the field. This year, Ms K.A.M.K. Perera, Senior Associate Forensic and Integrity Services Division, Ernst & Young, was awarded as the "Emerging Fraud Examiner – UoK". 

Esteemed dignitaries graced the occasion, including  Prof. W.M.C.B. Wanninayake, Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Amila Munasinghe, Head, Department of Accountancy.  The keynote address was delivered by the President's Counsel, Mr. Sarath Jayamanne, providing profound insights into the evolving landscape of forensic accounting. Representatives from the esteemed training partners participated for the event. Mr. Jagath Perera, Partner – Governance Risk & Compliance Services, Forensic Services Risk Management Partner, KPMG Sri Lanka, Ms. Hiranthi Fonseka, Partner, Ernst & Young, Ms. Sharnila Henry, Partner, Deloitte, Mr.Asoka Jayasinghe, Senior Partner, Jayasinghe & Company, Mr. Amila Withanarachchi,  Group Internal Auditor, Jetwing Hotels LTD and Mr. Chinthaka Wijayasekara, Deputy General Manager - Internal Audit, Ceylinco Life Insurance Limited were among the distinguished guests representing the training partners. Further, Dr. Subhani Keerthiratne, Director, Financial Intelligence Unit, Central Bank of Sri Lanka,  Mr. Laknath Jayawickrama Governing Council Member of CA Sri Lanka, Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Niranga Gunasekara, Secretary, Institute of Internal Auditors Lanka Chapter, Mr. Saman Dissanayake, Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue Department, Mr. K. Jegatheshwaran, and Head - Risk & Compliance, Sri Lanka Mobitel graced the event representing the Industry Advisory Committee and the industry. Further, the event was graced by the Professors, Senior Lecturers and Lecturers of the Department of Accountancy. 

The evening featured an engaging mix of knowledge-sharing discussions, networking opportunities, and entertainment segments. Graduates took the stage to present compelling case studies, sharing real-world experiences and insights gained during their internships. Their narratives highlighted the challenges and triumphs faced in the field, serving as an inspiration and valuable learning experience for future forensic accountants.

With Forensic Enigma’25 concluded the Department of Accountancy extends its best wishes to the graduates as they embark on their professional journeys, striving for integrity and excellence in financial forensics.