Occupational fraud is very likely the largest and most costly form of financial crime in the world, withestimated significant financial cost annually. Frauds are a threat to every type of organization in allindustries in every region throughout the world. The fact that occupational fraud remains so common and so costly is a stark reminder that the work we do as Financial Forensic Professionals is vitally important. It is tasked with preventing, detecting, and investigating these crimes that cause so much harm to so many people and organizations. Key executives' rise in publicized fraudulent behaviours unambiguously illustrates how these risks impact organizational reputation, brand, and trust. Even minor frauds can lead to devastating consequences, undermining stakeholders' faith in management and affecting the organization’s core integrity.

To serve the mission, The Department of Accountancy, University of Kelaniya launched Sri Lanka’s first-ever Bachelor of Business Management Honours in Auditing and Forensic Accounting Degree in 2020,designed to shape the next generation of Financial Forensic Professionals. The degree programmenavigates the digital age and the global surge in financial fraud, it remains committed to empoweringgraduates with the knowledge and skills to tackle these modern challenges. Recognizing the rapidevolution of the business landscape and the increasing intricacies of financial crimes, the degree program ensures continuous updates to its curriculum, producing Financial Forensic Professionals equipped to confront the complex challenges of the corporate world. Built upon strong ethics, integrity, and discipline foundations, the degree aims to develop a distinct brand of versatile forensic professionals capable ofsuccessfully leading a wide range of financial forensic services. This pioneering program represents a major step forward for the nation, setting a high standard for forensic accounting education in Sri Lanka and contributing to developing a well-prepared, proactive workforce ready to protect and strengthen organizations from within.