Sarath Lal Ukwatte Jalathge

Sarath is a lecturer and course coordinator at the School of Accounting, Information Systems, and Supply Chain. He is also the program manager of undergraduate studies in the Department of Accounting. 

Before joining academia, he gained experience as an accountant in the Ministry of Finance in Sri Lanka. After he migrated to Australia, he has been employed in tertiary education since 2009. 

Sarath's current research interests include the accounting profession, professional ethics, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Diversity and Inclusion, and Accountability. He has received a few internal research grants. 

Sarath holds a PhD in accounting from RMIT University. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, as well as a member of the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA).

Sarath has taught various financial accounting and management accounting courses at RMIT.

In his teaching philosophy, as an academic, Sarath is driven by two core beliefs that shape his approach to teaching: a passion for education and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world through the profession. He has always viewed teaching as a noble calling, where the act of providing education has the potential to profoundly influence not only individual students but also society as a whole. This belief motivates him and fosters a positive mindset, allowing him to create a learning environment where students feel inspired to engage with their education and reach their full potential. For Sarath, guiding and enriching a student’s life through thoughtful and constructive guidance is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

Sarath is proud to be a teacher and recognizes the importance of continual growth in the profession. Over the past 19 years, he has gained invaluable teaching experience—16 years in Australia and three years overseas—along with professional development opportunities that have shaped his teaching practice. He has also embraced leadership roles in community organizations, which have significantly contributed to his growth both as an individual and as a collaborative team member. These experiences have sharpened his ability to design, promote, deliver, manage, and evaluate courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, all of which he considers essential for developing a well-rounded and effective teaching style.

Through his years of experience and ongoing professional development, Sarath has come to understand that teaching and research are deeply interconnected. Conducting research not only enhances his knowledge but also informs and enriches his teaching. By staying current in his field, he can bring fresh perspectives and up-to-date content to his students, ensuring that they receive the best possible education. This dynamic exchange between teaching and research strengthens both areas and drives his passion for continued learning and growth.

Ultimately, Sarath's work ethic, combined with a positive attitude and a deep respect for the transformative power of education, has enabled him to achieve high teaching evaluations, including higher GTS scores, and to develop research skills that complement his teaching practice. He remains committed to fostering an environment where students are not just recipients of knowledge but active participants in their learning journeys.