Emeritus Professor M.W. Wickramarachchi is a path breaker in academic accounting education in Sri Lanka. He was the founder of Department of Commerce at University of Kelaniya and Department of Accountancy and Financial Management at University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He also pioneered in developing accounting education at Rajarata University and Sabaragamuwa University. He helped CA Sri Lanka to create a BSc (Applied Accounting) degree path for chartered accountancy students, and was involved in developing management education at 3 universities. He helped in revising the educational programs of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.
Professor Wickramrachchi is a man ahead of his times. He foresaw the importance of English Language Proficiency, Information Technology Skills, Internship & Employability of Graduates, at a time there was much hostility to such concepts in universities. With his untiring efforts, he met all opposition successfully and gave leadership to setting up the accounting degree at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, producing employable graduates for the private sector of the economy. He supported the Department to obtain funds from the ADB and the World Bank to improve quality and relevance of the accounting education. After retirement as a professor, he served for 3 years as the Ernst & Young Endowed Professor in Accounting at the university, fully funded by the firm.
Professor Wickramarachchie’s contribution to the profession of Accounting and the Government has been immense. He has served in many committees of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka including the Council. He assisted the Government by working as a member of the Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board, Consumer Affairs Authority & some committees of Finance, Education, & Higher Education Ministries.
Professor Wickramarachchi holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Economics (Accounting Specialization) from the Vidyodaya University of Ceylon, Sri Lanka; a Master of Economics (Accountancy & Financial Management) from the University of New England, Australia; and a Doctor of Philosophy (Commerce) from the DBA Marathwada University, India. After the first degree, he studied for professional accountancy examinations. At present, he is a fellow member of 3 professional accountancy bodies in Sri Lanka. His education has been funded by national and international organizations. In 2009 & 2011, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Sabaragamuwa University conferred him Doctor of Science (honoris causa) degrees, respectively. In 2015, he was inducted to Hall of Fame of CA Sri Lanka. Professor Wickramarachchi is a philosopher, mentor, and friend to the students and academics. Frail in physique but strong in spirit he continues to inspire and assist the present generation.
The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Australia is honoured to induct Emeritus Professor M.W.Wickramarachchi to the Global Management Accounting Hall of Fame® for his services to the accounting profession in Sri Lanka.
