Launch of Inter-University Equity Valuation Competition : Value Masters 2025
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) officially launched Value Masters 2025 on July 25, marking the beginning of Sri Lanka’s premier inter-university equity valuation competition. The ceremonial event, held at the Senate Boardroom of USJ, welcomed a distinguished gathering of academics, finance professionals, and undergraduates from institutions across the country. Notably, representatives from more than 30 university teams were in attendance, underscoring the competition’s national impact and growing prestige.
Organized by the Students’ Association of Finance (SAF) of the Department of Finance, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce (FMSC), the competition is conducted in collaboration with CFA Society Sri Lanka and Acuity Knowledge Partners, two institutions that play a vital role in strengthening finance education and fostering industry-academic partnerships in Sri Lanka.
The event began with a warm welcome by Mr. Rusiru Nishshanka, President of SAF, who introduced the vision of Value Masters as a platform to bridge theoretical learning with practical financial analysis and capital market insight. He emphasized the competition’s mission to prepare undergraduates for real-world challenges in the investment and finance space.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean of FMSC, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to producing graduates who are both intellectually capable and industry-ready. He highlighted the role of platforms like Value Masters in enhancing student employability and equipping them with applied skills highly valued in the financial sector.
Ms. Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane, CFA, President of CFA Society Sri Lanka, delivered a motivational address, encouraging students to pursue excellence through ethical decision-making and analytical rigor. She reiterated the CFA Society’s dedication to supporting initiatives that foster professional growth and integrity in finance education.
Mr. Nuwan Jayawardana, CFA, Director and Sri Lanka Head of Buy Side Research at Acuity Knowledge Partners, offered an insightful perspective on the value of hands-on experience in equity research. He praised Value Masters as an ideal platform that mirrors the responsibilities of real-world investment analysts, providing students with a valuable head start in their professional journeys.
Dr. Neelangie Nanayakkara, Head of the Department of Finance, thanked the competition’s strategic partners—CFA Society Sri Lanka and Acuity Knowledge Partners—for their continued collaboration and support. She emphasized the importance of industry engagement in enriching student learning and commended the enthusiasm and dedication of the undergraduate participants.
The structure of Value Masters 2025 was officially announced at the event. Participants will compete in three progressive rounds: a mini case study submission in July, an equity valuation report submission in August, and the final presentation round scheduled for September. These stages are designed to challenge and assess students’ capabilities in financial analysis, valuation modeling, industry research, and presentation delivery—closely simulating the workflow of professional analysts. To recognize outstanding performance, cash prizes of Rs. 100,000 for first place, Rs. 75,000 for second place, and Rs. 50,000 for third place will be awarded.
As Sri Lanka’s first dedicated inter-university equity valuation competition, Value Masters aspires to groom the next generation of finance leaders and investment analysts. By encouraging rigorous research, critical thinking, and exposure to real-world finance practices, the competition aligns academic objectives with professional expectations and industry standards.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms. Ruvindya Lahiruni, Secretary of SAF, who expressed sincere appreciation to the faculty members, industry partners, and student participants who contributed to making the launch event a success.
For further updates and announcements, follow Value Masters on social media at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577877317648 or contact the organizing team via saf@sjp.ac.lk
