Top Universities Selected for CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2025/26 Local Finals
CFA Society Sri Lanka has announced the top four teams that have qualified for the local finals of the 2025/26 CFA Institute Research Challenge, marking another milestone year for this prestigious global competition.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, teams representing University of Kelaniya, SAB Campus CA Sri Lanka, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and University of Colombo, have advanced to the local finals, scheduled to be held on 27th February 2026 at the HNB Auditorium, Colombo 10.
Each team, comprising of undergraduate students, will present their equity research analysis and investment recommendations on the subject company, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka Ltd (PickMe), before a distinguished panel of judges representing Sri Lanka’s investment community.
Their presentations represent the culmination of months of financial modelling, research, industry analysis and mentorship under experienced faculty advisors and industry professionals.
The winning team will progress to the sub-regional competition, with the opportunity to advance further to the regional and global stages.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge Global Final for the 2025/26 cycle is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong.
Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane, CFA, President of CFA Society Sri Lanka, stated,
“We are encouraged by the strong participation in this year’s competition.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge provides students with practical exposure to equity research, financial modelling and professional presentation skills under the guidance of experienced industry mentors.
It plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of investment professionals in Sri Lanka.”
Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of the Colombo Stock Exchange, commented,
“As the Platinum Partner of the CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka, we are proud to support an initiative that strengthens analytical thinking, research capability and capital market knowledge among university students.
Developing skilled, ethical and well-informed future professionals is essential to the continued growth and resilience of Sri Lanka’s capital market, and we are pleased to contribute to that journey.”
Supun Dias, EVP / Head of Network Business, HNB PLC, added,
“As the Banking Partner of CFA Society Sri Lanka and host of this year’s local finals, HNB PLC is proud to support an initiative that promotes analytical excellence, ethical standards and professional discipline among university students.
We believe investing in young talent is essential to strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem.
By hosting this competition at HNB Towers, we aim to provide meaningful industry exposure and inspire the next generation of investment and finance professionals to contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.”
Travis Gomez, CFA, Chair of the Research Challenge Committee of CFA Society Sri Lanka, stated,
“It is encouraging to see the growing interest from universities and institutes, as well as the high standards demonstrated by teams participating in the CFA Institute Research Challenge.
The competition extends beyond testing technical and financial modelling expertise; it also challenges participants’ critical thinking, communication skills, and ability to adapt under pressure, which are increasingly becoming essential skills for investment professionals in today’s ever - volving work environment.
I look forward to seeing the top teams present at the finals and wish all participants every success in their journey ahead.”
Aruna Alwis, CEO of CFA Society Sri Lanka, stated that this year’s final judging panel will comprise three distinguished CFA Charterholders, whose extensive experience and industry expertise will ensure a rigorous and high-standard evaluation process.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2025/26 is organised by CFA Society Sri Lanka, with the Colombo Stock Exchange serving as the Platinum Sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing future investment professionals.
HNB PLC, the Banking Partner, will host the local finals at HNB Towers, Colombo.
About the CFA Institute Research Challenge
The CFA Institute Research Challenge gathers students, investment industry professionals, publicly traded companies, and corporate sponsors together locally, regionally, and globally for an annual competition.
In order to promote best practices in equity research and company analysis, students research, analyze, and report on a company as if they are practicing analysts.
Local CFA member societies and other affiliated groups host local-level competitions of the Research Challenge in conjunction with the participating universities.
The universities assemble teams of three to five business and finance students who work directly with industry experts in in researching and preparing a company analysi preparing a research report with a valuation and recommendation of a publicly-listed company.
The finalist team’s selected from the report round present their findings to a by a panel of high-profile Charterholders including heads of research, portfolio managers, and chief investment officers.
The local champions advance to sub-regional and regional competitions for the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and then to the Global Final, which will be held in Hong Kong, in May 2026.
Additional information on the Research Challenge is available on the CFA Institute website, www.cfainstitute.org/researchchallenge.
About CFA Society Sri Lanka
Founded in 2001, CFA Society Sri Lanka is a not-for-profit organization supporting the professional development and advancement of CFA charter holders and candidates in Sri Lanka.
Our membership of over 250 members consists of CEOs, CFOs, portfolio managers, equity analysts, banking professionals, investment advisors, and other senior-ranking financial practitioners and over 600 candidates, mainly in the financial sector.