KPMG Sri Lanka turns 115

KPMG, Ford, Rhodes, Thornton and Co., one of the oldest professional services firms in the country will celebrate its 115th

anniversary this month. Established in 1897 as an accountancy firm called H.P. Church and Co. the firm’s name was changed to Ford, Rhodes, and Church in 1910 when Ford, Rhodes in London acquired an interest in it and its name was subsequently changed to Ford, Rhodes, Thornton and Co. thereafter.

During the past 115 years the firm has seen many changes in the accountancy profession and the corporate world. One of the most prominent changes was the passing over of leadership from the British to the Sri Lankans.

The local firm experienced these changes when the reins of leadership were passed on to the first Sri Lankan partnership during the 1960’s.

Since then the firm has leaped from strength to strength. In 1987 the firm became a member of the Global KPMG network.

Looking back on this development, , Senior Partner of the firm, Nirmal Fernando said, “Becoming a member of the KPMG network was one of the key

developments that really spurred on the local firm’s success. It allowed us to access global methodologies, tools, technologies and best practices and use it for the betterment of our clients and provision of excellent service.

It also allowed us to bring in global professionals to advice and train our people to add value to our clients. In essence it allowed us to be global and act local.”

Head of Advisory of the firm, Reyaz Mihular said “The skills of our people, our focus on continuous improvement and value addition and the support and trust of our clients.” He said, “We are truly fortunate to have grown with our clients.