The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) to boost finance and governance capabilities within Sri Lanka's corporate and finance community. Under the agreement, the bodies will jointly organise workshops and targeted events providing professionals with tools and perspectives on finance and corporate governance relevant to increasingly digital and complex business settings.

The Accountant Online reported that the arrangement responds to rising demand for professionals with stronger expertise in finance, governance, and board leadership.

Tharindu Wijewardana, AICPA and CIMA Sri Lanka country manager, said: "We are pleased to partner with SLID to strengthen Sri Lanka's finance and governance ecosystem. This collaboration will empower both CIMA and SLID members – from C-Suite leaders to emerging professionals – with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment."

The partnership introduces reciprocal membership pathways between organisations. CIMA members will be able to use SLID's Board Leadership Director Certification Programme as an accelerated route to SLID membership, whilst SLID members will be eligible for the Global C-Suite Business and Finance Programme, offering a route to become Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA designation holders) and CIMA members.

Both parties stressed that applicants must still satisfy the usual membership criteria of each professional body.

Anitra Perera, chief executive officer of SLID, said: "This collaboration with AICPA and CIMA represents a strategic step in strengthening the link between financial expertise and effective boardroom governance in Sri Lanka. As organisations navigate increasing complexity and digital disruption, the need for leaders who combine strong financial insight with sound governance and strategic oversight has never been greater."

View the full details on how AICPA, CIMA, and SLID are strengthening finance and governance capabilities.