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While many studies have investigated sustainability reporting in developed countries there is a dearth of research in developing countries. This is of particular concern, as the majority of the world’s population lives in these countries, which experience their own social, political and environmental issues. One of these countries, Sri Lanka, has a population of 20.3 million and is presently experiencing post-conflict economic growth. Sri Lanka faces a number of environmental problems including land degradation, pollution, poor management of water resources, loss of bio-diversity, coastal erosion and poor industrial waste management. This study empirically examines sustainability reporting in publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka, its extent, nature and possible drivers, specifically considering the use of key performance indicators. Results indicate that there is a major focus on social indicators, despite the poor environmental record in the country. The economic context therefore appears to be a significant factor influencing how sustainability reporting develops in Sri Lanka. The findings have implications for policy makers in Sri Lanka as the trend towards foreign investment is likely to increase pressure on firms to comply with global environmental standards and guidelines. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This study provides a preliminary investigation of perceptions of Integrated Reporting (IR) in Australia, as a developed country and leader in this area, and Hong Kong as an Asian country with an advanced capital market. The study compares the perceptions of IR readiness and acceptance in Australia and in Hong Kong through interviewing accounting professional associations and firms regarding their awareness of, and attitudes towards, IR. In particular, this study considers the perceptions of interviewees about the relationship between IR and Sustainability Reporting. Findings of the study suggest that the profession is taking a narrow, and explicitly financial, interpretation of the IIRC framework and does not consider it to be a replacement for other types of reporting. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This study investigates Integrated Reporting (IR) in Australia, as a developed country and leader in this area, and Hong Kong as an Asian and lesser developed, country but which has a developed capital market. The study compares the perceptions of IR readiness and acceptance in Australia and in Hong Kong through interviewing accounting professional associations and firms regarding their awareness of, and attitudes towards, IR. In particular, the study considers the perceptions of interviewees about the relationship between IR and Sustainability Reporting. The study is among the first to investigate perceptions of IR and has significance for policy makers and standard setters as findings suggest the profession is taking a narrow, and explicitly financial, interpretation of the IIRC framework Refereed/Peer-reviewed