The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), the apex body representing the country’s professional community, marked its 50th anniversary with a grand commemorative event at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on the 29th of May 2025.
Established on 29th May 1975 with 11 professional member associations, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Nath Amarakone, the OPA has grown into a unifying force for professionals across the nation. Today, it encompasses 52 member associations spanning 34 diverse professions, including law, medicine, engineering, accountancy, architecture, supply chain management, banking, and hospitality. With a combined membership of over 60,000, the OPA continues to serve as a dynamic platform for multidisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and impactful contributions to national development.
The main 50th anniversary celebrations took place at a formal ceremony at the BMICH graced by Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. The inaugural Dr. Nath Amarakone Memorial Oration, in remembrance of the OPA’s founder, was delivered by Hon. Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna, Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. The keynote address was presented by Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, former Speaker of the Parliament and a distinguished member of the OPA. In a special gesture of appreciation, all living Past Presidents of the OPA were felicitated during the event for their significant contributions to the growth and evolution of the organisation. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping the OPA into the respected institution it is today.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, a special commemorative stamp and first day cover were unveiled and presented to the Prime Minister and the OPA President, Mr. Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake. The event also saw the launch of a commemorative volume that captures the rich history of the OPA from its inception to the present day. This publication features key milestones, rare photographs, and personal reflections from past Presidents, offering a unique insight into the organisation’s journey.
Prior to the main event, the garlanding of the bust of the Founder President, Dr. Nath Amarakone, took place by OPA President Mr. Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake. This symbolic tribute was followed by a ceremonial tree planting and the laying of the foundation stone for a Golden Jubilee monument, signifying the enduring legacy of the OPA and its commitment to future generations.
The commemoration brought together distinguished professionals, Past Presidents, members of the Executive Council and General Forum, life members, Presidents and Secretaries of member associations, as well as special invitees and well-wishers.
This remarkable milestone served as an opportunity for the OPA to reaffirm its mission to foster professional excellence, safeguard the integrity of the professions, and champion the role of professionals in national and regional development. With five decades of service behind it and a renewed vision for the future, the OPA continues to stand as a beacon of unity, leadership, and progress for Sri Lanka’s professional community.
GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPA.
“OPA plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s professional sphere.”
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), held on 29th May 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that the OPA has made continuous efforts over the past five decades to unify Sri Lanka’s professional community and transform their expertise, ideas, and contributions into a collective voice and that the strength of the OPA lies in its scale and multidisciplinary nature as a leading professional organization representing 52 member associations across 34 professions and approximately 60,000 professionals. The Prime Minister emphasized that the OPA plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s professional sphere.
The Prime Minister further stated that the OPA is not merely an organization, but a platform that connects diverse sectors through a shared commitment to professional standards and national development.
At a time when Sri Lanka is undergoing transformative change, the Prime Minister underscored the critical role that organizations like the OPA can play in generating innovative ideas and facilitating meaningful dialogue.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also stated that it is important for the younger generation to understand that professionals have a responsibility that goes beyond isolated roles and it is expected that by promoting mentorship, reinforcing ethical standards, and encouraging collective leadership, Sri Lanka’s professional community can continue to provide guidance and direction for the country.
The event was attended by Supreme Court Judge Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, President of the OPA Attorney-at-Law Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake, and a large group of professionals.
Newspaper Article : https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/05/29/local/787215/opa-celebrates-50th-anniversary-today/
The remarkable contributions of our Past Presidents
The remarkable contributions of our Past Presidents were celebrated at the OPA 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, held on 29th May 2025 at the BMICH.
This memorable event paid tribute to the invaluable leadership and lasting impact of our Past Presidents in shaping the OPA and advancing the professional community. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, former Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna, Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, Mr. Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake, President of the OPA, alongside Mr.Jayantha Gallehewa, President-Elect ( OPA) Mr. Tisara de Silva, General Secretary (OPA ), and Office Bearers, members of the Executive Council and General Forum of the OPA, Presidents, Secretaries and members of Member Associations and many distinguished participants.
A heartfelt thank you to our Past Presidents for their unwavering dedication and invaluable service to the OPA throughout the years!
Dr. Nath Amarakone Memorial Oration
In parallel with the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, the OPA conducted the inaugural Dr. Nath Amarakone Memorial Oration on the 29th of May 2025 at the BMICH.
An annual oration to honour the late Dr. Nath Amarakone, the founding President of our organization, had been suggested a few years ago but, due to various reasons, it could not be realized at the time. However, it was felt that the OPA’s Golden Jubilee year was the perfect time to finally bring this propsal to fruition.
Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna, a sitting Judge of the Supreme was invited to deliver this inaugural oration, owing to his status as an eminent judge and his involvement with our organisation. Justice Rajakaruna is a Life Member of the OPA, has been closely associated with the OPA over the years, having served as an Office Bearer while attached to the Attorney General’s Department.
Justice Rajakaruna graciously accepted our invitation and delivered the oration on the timely and thought-provoking topic: “Artificial Intelligence, Fundamental Rights, and Upholding Integrity in the Digital Age.” His address was delivered before a distinguished audience of over 200 professionals, representing the 52 member associations of the OPA, and served as a dignified and inspiring opening to the OPA’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Launch of Commemorative Stamp to mark the 50th Anniversary of the OPA.
At the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka ( OPA ) on 29th May 2025 at the BMICH, the Postal Department issued a special Commemorative Stamp and a first day cover which was presented to the Chief Guest Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna, Former Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya and the OPA President, Mr. Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake by the Post Master General.
Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, former Speaker of Parliament, together with professionals, past presidents, office bearers and representatives from member associations, were present at the occasion.