Sri Lankan Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur Dimuthu Ethugala has been recognised as the Outstanding Global Achiever of the Year 2026 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), in recognition of his international professional achievements, entrepreneurial leadership and contributions to the accounting profession.
The award was presented on October 8 at the 47th National Conference of Chartered Accountants, held at Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Ethugala, who began his professional career at BDO Sri Lanka before joining KPMG in Kuwait, has built an international professional services business with operations spanning several countries.
In 2017, he joined fellow Chartered Accountants Sujeewa Appuhami and Jude Paththamperume to establish Crevaty, with the aim of developing an internationally competitive professional services firm with Sri Lankan roots.
The three founders brought different areas of expertise to the business. Appuhami provided strategic direction, Paththamperume contributed corporate management experience and played a key role in establishing its Sri Lankan operations, while Ethugala focused on business development and building the company’s international brand.
Since its establishment, Crevaty has expanded into Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Canada, supported by its Sri Lankan service delivery and talent development operations.
Initially specialising in accounting, taxation and business advisory services, the company has since diversified its operations to serve clients across international markets.
Crevaty currently employs approximately 45 full-time professionals and generates annual revenue of around Rs. 500 million.
Commenting on the recognition, Ethugala said the award represented more than a personal achievement.
“More than an honour, it felt like a responsibility to give back to the profession and community that shaped me,” he said.
Apart from his entrepreneurial achievements, Ethugala has contributed to the professional development of Sri Lankan accountants working overseas.
Between 2019 and 2023, he held several leadership positions in the CA Sri Lanka Kuwait Chapter, including General Secretary, Vice President and President, supporting professional networking, knowledge sharing and career development opportunities.
A Fellow of CA Sri Lanka and CMA Sri Lanka, Ethugala has also been involved in mentoring young accounting professionals and encouraging them to explore career opportunities beyond conventional employment.
He believes that while Sri Lankan professionals possess the technical expertise required to compete internationally, communication skills, adaptability, professional integrity and confidence are equally important in operating across diverse business environments.
Ethugala plans to further expand Crevaty’s international operations while creating additional opportunities for Sri Lankan professionals to contribute to global service delivery.
His recognition also draws attention to the potential for Sri Lanka to move beyond supplying skilled professionals to overseas employers and develop internationally competitive professional services businesses operating from the country.
