The International Conference for Accounting Researchers and Educators (ICARE) 2025 was successfully held on the 21st and 22nd of May 2025, marking its tenth consecutive year as a premier academic event organized by the Department of Accountancy of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya. This year’s conference was held under the timely theme, “From Awareness to Action: Developing a Blueprint for Combating Financial Fraud in Sri Lanka”, and brought together a wide range of academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and regulatory bodies for an engaging dialogue on combating financial fraud through knowledge, collaboration, and policy reform.

The first day of the conference took place at the University of Kelaniya premises and featured a vibrant programme with a strong focus on student participation and academic research. The day's events included the launch of the Students’ Research Abstract Book, digital poster presentations, and 5MT competition that showcased innovative research projects by students. A preliminary technical forum also set the tone for deeper discussions on the conference theme. This forum featured a distinguished panel including Mr. Jagath Perera, Partner at Governance Risk & Compliance Services, Forensic Services, KPMG Sri Lanka; Ms. Hiranthi Fonseka, Partner at EY Sri Lanka; Mr. Tishan Subasinghe, Vice-President, CA Sri Lanka; Mr. Laknath Jayawickrama, Attorney-at-Law and Governing Council Member of CA Sri Lanka; and Mr. Charith Leelarathne, Assistant Secretary of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Lanka Chapter. This session was moderated by Mr. Dhananjaya Pathiraja, Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy. Day One was graced by Prof. Amila Munasinghe, Head of the Department of Accountancy, along with esteemed professors and lecturers of the department, all of whom contributed to the success and significance of the day.

The second day of ICARE 2025 was held at Lotus Hall, BMICH, where the focus shifted to high-level dialogue among experts and decision-makers. The day commenced with the official launch of the ICARE Magazine, followed by two impactful technical forums. The first session featured Senior Prof. D. B. P. H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); Mr. Rajeev Amarasuriya, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka; Ms. Anusha Mohotti, Director General of the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board (SLAASMB); and Ms. Sankhitha Gunaratne, Head of Governance and Anti-Corruption / Deputy Director at Verité Research Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka. The session was moderated by Mr. Jagath Perera. The second session included contributions from Mr. Zahid Dohadwala, Managing Director, HMD Associates Ltd. London, United Kingdom: Dr. Himanshu Thakkar, Assistant Professor of Forensic Accounting at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India; Mr. Sarath Jayamanne, President’s Counsel; Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka); Mr. V. Kanagasabapathy, President of the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka; and Dr. (Mrs.) Subhani Keerthiratne, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; . This session was moderated by Dr. Mudith Sujeewa, Head- Forensic Accounting Unit, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy.

ICARE 2025 was not only a forum for academic discussion but also a collaborative national initiative aimed at influencing systemic change. By bringing together voices from academia, law, governance, and the private sector, the conference fostered critical dialogue that is expected to inform the creation of a national blueprint for strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial systems and regulatory frameworks. With the growing threat of financial fraud and white-collar crime, the role of forensic accounting and regulatory reform has become increasingly vital. The leadership of Prof. Amila Munasinghe, Head of the Department of Accountancy, along with the support of the Forensic Accounting Unit of the University of Kelaniya, was instrumental in steering this important national conversation.

The conference was graced by the presence of Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, who attended as the Chief Guest, along with other distinguished invitees including Prof. Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Prof. Amila Munasinghe, Head of the Department of Accountancy; professors and lecturers of the department; and representatives from the industry.