Niluka Abeygunaratne
Build a strong community
Q: What motivated your move from Sri Lanka to Canada – and what was the transition like both personally and professionally?
A: My move to Canada wasn’t sudden; it was part of a long-term vision I had since my A levels. I aspired to make a global impact and made deliberate career choices to set that path.
While I built a strong foundation in Sri Lanka across auditing, accounting and finance, I wanted to challenge myself in a broader international setting. Canada stood out for its dynamic economy, inclusive culture and professional opportunities.
The transition was both exciting and humbling. I prepared in advance, researching the Canadian job market and regulations, which helped me secure a role at a Fortune 500 company within weeks of my arrival.
Personally, starting over without family was challenging; but I was fortunate to meet people who became like family. Their support made a huge difference. The move taught me resilience, adaptability and the value of genuine connections– it transformed me in every way.
Q: What were the main challenges you faced as a Sri Lankan professional entering the North American finance sector?
A: A major challenge was adjusting to differences in workplace culture, communication and expectations. Despite possessing strong technical skills, I realised that success in Canada also depends on how you position yourself, communicate your value and adapt to the local environment.
The emphasis on Canadian experience and local qualifications can be a barrier. I addressed this by researching the market, learning regulations and demonstrating that knowledge in interviews.
Another challenge was building a network from scratch. I made a conscious effort to attend events, engage with professional bodies and build connections – steps that helped build trust and unlock opportunities.
Q: As one of the youngest to earn a fellowship from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), what drove that level of ambition and focus so early in your career?
A: Becoming a fellow of CA Sri Lanka at 27 was the result of a clear vision, early goal setting and the drive to go beyond the conventional path.
One of my biggest decisions early on was to forgo state university in Sri Lanka. Instead, I joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) soon after my A levels with a strong sense of purpose. Rather than merely gaining qualifications, I aspired to cultivate leadership, global relevance and long-term impact.
Even as a student, I was inspired by corporate leaders and seized every opportunity that added value.
Q: From auditing at PwC to investment research and now insurance accounting, how have these diverse roles shaped your perspective on finance?
A: Each phase has added depth to how I view finance. Auditing at PwC gave me a solid foundation in financial reporting, internal controls, and the importance of accuracy and integrity.
It taught me to think critically and assess businesses through a risk and compliance lens.
Investment research at Acuity broadened that view. I analysed companies beyond the numbers, focussing on strategy, valuation, industry trends and macroeconomic factors.
It taught me to think forward, not just historically.
At Pacific Life, I’ve gained an appreciation for the complexity of financial reporting and regulatory capital frameworks. The role combines technical detail with strategic thinking.
Altogether, these experiences have shaped a holistic view of finance – linking fundamentals of reporting to their impact on strategy and long-term value creation.
Q: As President of the CA Sri Lanka – Canada Chapter, how are you helping build bridges between Sri Lankan professionals abroad?
A: My focus is on building a strong and connected community of Sri Lankan professionals in Canada.
A top priority is advocating for recognition of the CA Sri Lanka qualification. We’re working with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) towards establishing a mutual recognition agreement to help members transition their designation into the Canadian framework.
We’ve launched continuous professional development sessions on Canadian finance, tax and industry topics, and created a newcomer’s guide with CV samples, interview preparation and webinars. We also guide those who are pursuing local accounting and tax credentials.
Beyond that, we’re strengthening trade ties by educating Sri Lankan exporters on Canadian market regulations while promoting the former as a destination for investment, together with knowledge and business process outsourcing.
We also launched The Hub Canada, a magazine that showcases Sri Lanka’s potential.