When University of Tasmania graduate Aloka Sathyangi Senadeera received the national 2023 Accounting Student of the Year award, it marked the culmination of years of dedication to her studies and to Tasmania.
The Accountants Daily Accounting Student of the Year Award recognises university students from around Australia who demonstrate outstanding commitment to success in a future career in the accounting industry.
“This award represents the culmination of my efforts both academically and within the community,” Aloka said.
“I am so grateful for the massive support system that I have – my family, my friends, my mentors, and the amazing individuals at the University of Tasmania, especially the team at the College of Business and Economics."
“This would not have been possible without them.”
No stranger to success, Aloka received several awards throughout her studies, including the 2022 Study Tasmania International Student of the Year award and the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics CPA Australia Award for her performance in accounting.
“Receiving the CPA Australia Prize in Accounting, one of my majors and an area that I am passionate about, was certainly a great honour,” she said.
“I was very proud and grateful to CPA and the College of Business and Economics for recognising my performance.”
Despite her strong focus on academics, Aloka’s study commitments were never an obstacle in supporting her fellow students and the Tasmanian community.
During her time at University, Aloka undertook a range of volunteer positions, including University of Tasmania Sustainability Intern, Hobart City Council International Student Ambassador and Volunteer, and Socials Director of the Sri Lankan Student Association.
“Academics can only take you so far, and my involvement within the community has enabled me to develop skills that I wouldn’t have been able to through formal education alone,” she said.
Aloka was a fantastic student, and it was clear from her commitment to her studies and her involvement in extracurricular activities to support her fellow students and the community that she was destined to do great things, says Lecturer in Accounting Dr Mitali Panchal.
“Aloka demonstrated exceptional dedication, efficacy, and a clear passion for accounting. She consistently exhibited a strong commitment to growing, developing, and advancing in her career,” Dr Panchal said.
“I'm confident that her skills, attitude, and inherent abilities will play a pivotal role in forging innovative connections between business and sustainability. Even more inspiring is her role as a source of motivation for budding accounting students at our university.”
Now, as a Graduate Commercial Analyst at Hydro Tasmania, Aloka sets her sights on a life filled with continuous learning and development and a bright future in Australia’s renewable energy sector.
“I hope to continue to learn and develop and progress my career in the energy industry.”
“The Australian energy industry is undergoing a great transformation as we transition towards renewable energy sources, and as a graduate at Hydro, I look forward to contributing towards this change,” she said.