KPMG in Sri Lanka celebrates 115 years of service

KPMG, Ford, Rhodes, Thornton & Co., one of the oldest and largest professional services firms in the country will be celebrating its 115th anniversary in March this year. 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 these past 115 years the firm has seen many changes both 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 also saw and felt these changes when the reins of leadership were passed on to the first Sri Lankan partnership during the 1960s.  

Since then the firm has leaped from strength to strength and it represented many of the Big8 before choosing to work exclusively with KPMG and in 1987 the firm became a member of the Global KPMG network.

Looking back on this development, Nirmal Fernando, Senior Partner of the firm reminisced, saying, “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.”

Reyaz Mihular, Head of Advisory of the firm, when asked what he attributes to the firms longevity and success, replied: “The skills of our people, our focus on continuous improvement and value addition and the support and trust of our clients.”

He added: “We are truly fortunate to have grown with our clients.  In fact some of the clients we serve are as old as we are and we are proud of the part we have played in their success and of course none of this would be possible without our people who have acted with pride within the KPMG Values and shown a constant dedication, commitment and diligence in carrying out their work; which I believe translates into the firm’s success.”

KPMG Ford, Rhodes, Thornton & Co. will be hosting a reception on 28 March 2012 and commenting on this event, Fernando said: “This event will be hosted in honour of our clients and also to celebrate the milestone of crossing the 115 year mark. The event will also see a number of KPMG’s global leadership and dignitaries attending to celebrate this achievement with us. We are proud and delighted to have come this far and we look forward to seeing what the next 115 years have in store for us.”