The Department of Accounting is one of the largest and popular departments in the faculty in terms of undergraduate student numbers. Historical development of the department dates back to 2007 which has primarily focused to produce accounting literate high quality graduates who are academically and professionally fluent in overall accounting activities in corporate environment. Furthermore, the department has planned numerous activities to enhance soft skills, IT related skills and corporate experience to prepare students with latest developments in Accounting to make an employable graduates, both locally and globally. 

Message from the Head of the Department

Dr. Nuradhi K. Jayasiri

On behalf of the Department of Accounting, I am pleased to welcome you to the official website of the Department of Accounting of the Faculty of Management and Finance of the University of Colombo. 

The Department of Accounting conducts the BBA in Accounting Degree, which is one of the most popular degree programmes in the Faculty. The department while being focused on ensuring academic excellence strives to develop soft skills of undergraduates by creating and disseminating knowledge through teaching, research and various collaborations with the industry and professional accounting bodies. Students specializing in the accounting area are offered a good blend of courses in the mainstream areas of accounting, as well as faculty wide core courses in business and management. We aim to provide our students with a wide exposure to the global business environment and help them to adapt to rapidly changing industry demands such as automation of accounting functions through various courses and with the internship programme. 

The department facilitates students in numerous ways to nurture and enhance their research skills too. Graduates of our degree programme have excellent employee opportunities, and over the years, they have secured important positions in the accounting profession locally and internationally, as well as in other business sectors, including the private sector, nonprofit and public sector organizations.

I warmly welcome you to join with us to advance the holistic accounting education.

Former Heads of the Department

Professor K.G. Sampath Kehelwalatenna (2020-2023)

 

Professor Tharusha N. Gooneratne (2017 – 2020) 

 

Professor. A.A.C. Abeysinghe (2012 – 2017)  

 

Mr. G. Ranaweerage (2007-2012)

 

Academic Staff 

Professor Tharusha N. Gooneratne

[PhD (La Trobe, Australia), MPhil (Col),BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), Accreditation for Teaching in Higher Education (SEDA), FCMA (UK)]

Chair Professor

Professor K.G. Sampath Kehelwalatenna

[PhD (UBD-Brunei), MBA (Col), BCom (Col), CTHE (Col)]

Professor

Professor A.A.C. Abeysinghe

[PhD (Manchester, UK), MPhil (Colombo), MBA (Lubljana, Slovenia),
B.Sc (Business Administration) Sp. (SJP)]

Professor

Mr. Gunapala Ranaweerage

[MCom (India), BCom (SJP)]

Senior Lecturer 

Mr. R.M.R.B. Rajapakse

[MCom (India), BCom (Col)]
Senior Lecturer

Dr. Nuradhi K. Jayasiri

[PhD (Otago, New Zealand), MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), Adv Dip. in Management Accounting (CIMA)]

Senior Lecturer

Dr. D.G. Sujeewa Damayanthi

[PhD (PIM, Sri Lanka), MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK)]

Senior Lecturer

Dr. A.W. Janitha C Abeygunasekera

[PhD (QUT-Australia), MBA (PIM-SJP), BBA (Col), FHEA (UK), CTHE (Col),
SEDA (UK)]

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Gimhani Y. Ekanayake

[ PhD (Deakin, Australia), MPhil (Col), B.Sc. Accountancy (SJP), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK)]

Senior Lecturer

Ms. K.J.D. Samanthi

[MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), ICASL S I]

Senior Lecturer

Ms. Y.M. Hewage

[Reading for PhD (JCU,Australia), MBA (Col), B.Sc (SJP), ACA, CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK)]

Senior Lecturer-On study leave

 

Mr. Samitha Bhagya Rajapaksha

[MBA (Col), BBA (Col), CTHE (Col), SEDA (UK), ICASL S I]

Senior Lecturer (Transitional) 

Ms. Isuri U. Malawara Arachchi

MBA (Col), BBA (Col), PGCERT Higher Education (UOG, UK), CTHE (Col), SEEDA (UK), Passed Finalist CIMA (UK), Reading for PhD (QUT, Australia)

Lecturer (Probationary)
(on study leave)

Ms. S.A.D.K.S. Dissanayake

[MBA (Col) – reading, BBA (Col),ACCA (Strategic Professional),AAT (Passed Finalist), CTHE (Col)]

Lecturer (Probationary)

Ms. W.M.A.P Wanninayake

[MBA (Col) – reading,BBA (Col),CIMA (Strategic Professional – in reading),ICASL (in reading), AAT, CTHE(Col) ]

Lecturer (Probationary)

Ms. Ishara Gamage

[BB. Mgt (Acc) (Kel’ya), ICASL (Strategic Level – reading), CIMA (reading)]

Assistant Lecturer

Ms. Chamodi Bandara

[BBA (Col), AAT (Passed Finalist), ICASL (reading), CIMA (reading)]

Assistant Lecturer

Non Academic Staff 

Ms. R. M. T. Lasanthi

Mr. G.A.S.P. Gurusinghe

.

Bachelors of Business Administration (Honours) Degree in Accounting

The BBA Accounting (Special) Degree Program has been specially designed to develop academic and professional competencies in overall accounting activities in corporate and to engage in research-based studies. Students specializing in the accounting area are offered a good blend of courses in the mainstream areas of accounting, as well as faculty-wide core courses in business and management. This programme will enhance soft skills, IT related skills and corporate experience to prepare students with latest developments in Accounting to make an employable graduates, both locally and globally.

Code Course Title Credits Course Status Semester Offered
ACT – 3312 Research Methods 3 Core V
ACT – 3202 Management Information Systems 2 Core V
ACT – 3313 Taxation 3 Specialisation core V
ACT – 3203 Advanced Management Accounting 2 Specialisation core V
ACT – 3204 Auditing 2 Specialisation core V
ACT – 3205 Project Management 2 Specialisation core V
ACT – 3206 Business Process Reengineering 2 Specialisation optional V
ACT – 3210 Working Capital Management 2 Specialisation optional V
ACT – 3211 Organisational Control Systems 2 Specialisation optional V
ACT – 3314 Strategic Management 3 Core VI
ACT – 3207 Enterprise Based Project 2 Core VI
ACT – 3305 Computer Based Accounting 3 Specialisation core VI
ACT – 3208 Seminar on Applied Research 2 Specialisation core* VI
ACT – 3209 Seminar on Research 2 Specialisation core* VI
ACT – 3212 Financial Reporting and Regulations 2 Specialisation core VI
ACT – 3213 Advanced Auditing 2 Specialisation optional VI
ACT – 3214 Forensic Accounting 2 Specialisation optional VI
ACT – 3215 Public Sector Accounting 2 Specialisation optional VI
ACT – 3216 Change Management 2 Specialisation optional VI
ACT – 3217 Total Quality Management 2 Specialisation optional VI
ACT – 4218 Contemporary Issues in Accounting 2 Specialisation core VII
ACT – 4219 Strategic Management Accounting 2 Specialisation core VII
ACT – 4800 Dissertation 8 Specialisation core VII
ACT – 4600 Applied Research Project 6 Specialisation core VII
ACT – 4220 Corporate Governance 2 Specialisation optional VII
ACT – 4221 Corporate Social Reporting 2 Specialisation optional VII
ACT – 4222 Internal Control and Risk Management 2 Specialisation optional VII
ACT – 4223 Tax Planning and Management 2 Specialisation optional VII
ACT – 4224 Value Stream Mapping 2 Specialisation optional VII
ACT – 4225 Business Ethics 2 Specialisation optional VII
ACT – 4801 Industrial Training 8 Specialisation core VIII

Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Information Management 

MBA AIM degree is mainly intended for managers who need to acquire multi-disciplinary skills and for those who are aspiring to be general managers or members of the corporate management team. Students reading for the MBA should earn thirty-three (33) credits from compulsory courses offered in Trimester 1, 2, and 3 of the first year with another twenty-eight (28) credits offered in Trimester 4, 5, and 6.</

Please see below link

https://mgmt.cmb.ac.lk/pgmcdu/?page_id=1235

Diploma in Computer Based Accounting and Information Systems (DCAIS)

The Diploma in Computer-based Accounting and Information Systems (DCAIS) offered by the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo is a University Grants Commission (UGC) approved, Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 03 qualification. This program was specifically designed in order to cater to the essential professional requirements in the contemporary Business and Accounting field. This is a one year Diploma programme which consists of ten courses over two semester encompassing eight courses of study (course units) and an individual project. The aim is to provide a comprehensive knowledge on both theoretical and practical aspects of computer-based accounting applications and managing information. A candidate who successfully completes this Diploma will be proficient in developing and managing computerized accounting and information systems in an efficient manner.

Contact Details

Ms. K.J.D. Samanthi

Program Coordinator 

Department of Accounting

Tel: 0715543881

Email: dinushikasamanthi@dac.cmb.ac.lk

3rd Annual Accounting Undergraduate Research Symposium 2022

The Undergraduate Research Symposium of the Department of Accounting held on 14th December 2022 was a great landmark in strengthening the existing research culture of the department. With the Covid-19 pandemic situation, the symposium was organized as an online event. Revised by-laws and the curriculum of the faculty comprehends a compulsory research element from 2017. There were 81 dissertations and 14 applied research projects produced by the Department undergraduates in 2022Hence, this symposium assisted these undergraduates in nurturing and enhancing their research skills and brighten their path to a challenging future. Out of the 95 research projects, 13 research works have been selected to be presented at this year’s symposium. Extended abstracts developed by the undergraduates were reviewed by an experienced panel of academics in the Department of Accounting before selecting 13 extended abstracts to be included in symposium proceedings.

2nd Annual Accounting Undergraduate Research Symposium 2022

The Undergraduate Research Symposium of the Department of Accounting held on 11th January 2022 was a great landmark in strengthening the existing research culture of the department. With the Covid-19 pandemic situation, the symposium was organized as an online event. Revised by-laws and the curriculum of the faculty comprehends a compulsory research element from 2017. There were 61 dissertations and 14 applied research projects produced by the Department undergraduates in 2021. Hence, this symposium assisted these undergraduates in nurturing and enhancing their research skills and brighten their path to a challenging future. Out of the 75 research projects, 23 research works have been selected to be presented at this year’s symposium. Extended abstracts developed by the undergraduates were reviewed by an experienced panel of academics in the Department of Accounting before selecting 23 extended abstracts to be included in symposium proceedings.

Inbound Training

The Department together with the Career Guidance Unit of University of Colombo organized an inbound training on the 27th of August 2022 for the third year undergraduate students of the Department of Accounting with the ultimate objective of improving the overall wellbeing of the students and to facilitate in the development of effective relationships.

AHEAD Activities

Research Workshop

The Department of Accounting organized a Research Workshop on 03rd March 2020 at the Prof. Jayarathne auditorium. The aim of this workshop was to enhance undergraduate students’ knowledge of qualitative data analysis. The guest speaker for the workshop was Dr. Amila Munasinghe. Furthermore, an experience sharing session was conducted by students of the Department who recently completed their undergraduate dissertations.

1st Annual Accounting Undergraduate Research Symposium 2021

The Undergraduate Research Symposium of the Department of Accounting held on 15th January 2021 was a great landmark in strengthening the existing research culture of the department. Revised by-laws and the curriculum of the faculty comprehends a compulsory research element from 2017. Accordingly, very first batch of students who enrolled under the revised by-laws and curriculum have produced 78 dissertations and 04 applied research projects. Hence, this symposium assisted these undergraduates in nurturing and enhancing their research skills and brighten their path to a challenging future. Out of the 82 research projects, 22 research works have been selected to be presented at this year’s symposium. Extended abstracts developed by the undergraduates were reviewed by an experienced panel of academics in the Department of Accounting before selecting 22 extended abstracts to be included in symposium proceedings.

Sage Business Cloud – Training Programme

This training program which was conducted during the months of  October and November 2020 was specifically designed for final year undergraduate students who are willing to learn Sage Business Cloud which is online accounting software. The duration of the training was 30 hours which covers 10 sessions with an assessment at the end of the training. The students who have successfully completed the training were awarded a certificate at the end of the training program.

Professional Etiquette Development Session

The Department of Accounting has organized a Professional Etiquette Development Session in February 2020 for third-year undergraduates. Mr. Athula Kithsiri who is the Chief Marketing Officer and a Softskills trainer especially in  “greatTOexcellent” was the resource person for the Professional Etiquette Development Session.

Accounting Department Outing

In September 2019, academic staff and third-year students of the department collaboratively organized a day out at Laya Beach Hotel, Wadduwa. The aim of this was to enhance interactions between students and staff members and to develop teamwork and soft skills of students.

 

Welcome of Third Year Students 2019

The Department of Accounting officially welcomed the new third-year batch on January 2019.  This occasion was graced by the current Head of the Department, Dr. Sampath Kehelwalatenna, and academic staff members of the Department. The students were given a thorough awareness of the culture, practices & opportunities available at the Department of Accounting. 

ACCA FINHACK – 2022

The team Volonte, which represented the University of Colombo, emerged as the first runner’s up at the ACCA Virtual Finhack 2022 (Inter-University competition) organized by the ACCA Sri Lanka for the fourth consecutive year, which was held on 23rd November 2022. The team comprising of five members competed in the challenge by successfully completing two phases of the competition: 1. Solving the business cases and developing courses of action and 2. Presentation followed by a Q&A session.

ACCA FINHACK – 2020

The team Mastermind, which represented the University of Colombo has become the Champions at the ACCA Virtual  Finhack 2020 ( Inter-University competition) organized by the ACCA Sri Lanka for the third consecutive year, which was held on 16 September 2020. The team Masterminds consisted of 05 champions and they successfully completed the two main stages of the competition which was basically to generate possible courses of action to solve a given business case followed by a comprehensive team presentation accompanied by a Q&A session by panelists.

Sage ERP 300 Package

ZILLIONe has partnered with Department of Accounting to provide fifty ERP 300 Evolution licenses and to facilitate ERP training for final year students and lecturers of the Department. This is a timely initiative taken by the Department to prepare its students to the global job market.

Exemption Accreditation Programme with ACCA

The department of Accounting has got an opportunity to join ACCA for an Exemption Accreditation Programme. This program will hold accreditation for a period of 5 years, for graduates from 01/01/2021 to 31/12/2025.  The following subject will be exempted from this program as per the agreement.

Inquiries

Fill form to contact the department

Address

Department of  Accounting
Faculty of Management & Finance
University of  Colombo,
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.

Phone

+94-11-2552362

Email

head@dac.cmb.ac.lk