The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), has introduced the internationally recognised Certificate in Sustainability Strategy and Management to strengthen the knowledge and capabilities of Sri Lanka’s corporate directors and senior executives.

The initiative comes amid growing recognition of sustainability as a key factor influencing corporate strategy, risk management, governance and long-term business performance. As organisations face evolving regulatory requirements and increasing stakeholder expectations, business leaders are required to understand how sustainable practices can be integrated into decision-making and organisational development.

The programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge needed to incorporate sustainability into broader business strategies while strengthening their understanding of governance, accountability, stakeholder engagement and long-term value creation.

Ms Anitra Perera, CEO of SLID, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing the capabilities of Sri Lanka’s directors and business leaders in an increasingly complex and globally connected business environment. She noted that providing SLID members with preferential access to internationally recognised ACCA qualifications creates valuable opportunities for continuous professional development, particularly in financial stewardship, governance and strategic decision-making.

The Certificate in Sustainability Strategy and Management covers several areas relevant to modern corporate leadership, including sustainability strategy development, corporate accountability, responsible decision-making and stakeholder engagement. It also explores how organisations can create long-term value by adopting sustainable approaches that strengthen resilience and deliver economic, social and environmental benefits.

The programme emphasises that sustainability should not be treated as a separate corporate responsibility initiative but as an integral component of organisational strategy. By integrating sustainability principles into business operations and governance structures, companies can improve their ability to respond to emerging challenges and build stronger relationships with stakeholders.

Ms Nilusha Ranasinghe, Head of South Asia at ACCA, highlighted the importance of equipping business leaders with globally relevant knowledge and expertise as sustainability increasingly shapes corporate priorities. She said the partnership would support directors and senior executives in understanding the strategic implications of sustainability and translating these principles into effective business decisions.

Delivered online through self-directed learning, the certificate requires approximately 20 to 25 hours to complete. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive certification from ACCA, providing a structured opportunity to strengthen their understanding of sustainability and strategic management.

Special rates are available for SLID members, with fees of LKR 160,000 for groups of six to ten participants, compared with the standard fee of LKR 180,500.

Through this collaboration, SLID and ACCA aim to support the development of informed, responsible and future-ready corporate leaders in Sri Lanka, reinforcing the importance of sustainability expertise in strengthening governance and promoting long-term business success.