22 Sep 2025

From Crisis to Collaboration: Mauritius and Sri Lanka firms build for the future

What began as a response to crisis has grown into a thriving cross-border collaboration between MGI Worldwide member firms Axis Global Ltd in Mauritius and MGI KAL Rupasinghe & Co. in Sri Lanka. Born out of Sri Lanka’s severe economic challenges and Mauritius firm's difficulty in finding staff, the partnership has gone on to deliver stability, opportunity and growth two years on.

Movinf forward through collaboration

In 2022, Sri Lanka was facing its worst financial crisis in decades. Inflation had soared to over 70%. Petrol stations ran dry and queues for fuel stretched for miles. Power cuts lasted up to 13 hours a day, plunging businesses and homes into darkness. For many professionals, work simply disappeared.

Amid this turmoil, Lakshman Rupasinghe, Managing Partner of MGI KAL, looked for a way forward. Instead of retreating, he reached out across the MGI network with a proposal: to connect Sri Lanka’s skilled professionals with member firms in need of staff. (Read the original story HERE).

“Our situation was critical, but we knew we had talent to offer. By collaborating across borders, we could support our colleagues while keeping our own people employed.”

Lakshman Rupasinghe, Managing Partner MGI KAL

Building a lifeline

Axis Global, led by Financial Controller Jaysen Veerupen, was quick to respond. Beginning with just two outsourced accountants, the arrangement quickly demonstrated its value. Today, Axis Global works with a team of 12 Sri Lanka-based professionals, all supporting clients remotely.

“Our outsourced team is working virtually from Sri Lanka. There is not really any need to have a separate office. If needed, we use Lakshman’s office, which is very convenient for us.”

Jaysen Veerupen, Financial Controller Axis Global

The collaboration has been so effective that Axis Global has referred MGI KAL’s services to other Mauritian companies. These referrals have opened doors for more Sri Lankan professionals while giving Mauritian firms the flexibility to build reliable teams.

“Whilst recruiting staff in Mauritius has become less difficult, it is still important to manage risk,” Jaysen adds. “We do not want to be in a similar position of lacking staff as in the last few years, so we will continue to grow our Sri Lanka team.”

Stronger together

Axis Group itself has grown significantly, now employing 230 staff and recently expanding its office space to accommodate up to 80 more people. For Sri Lankan professionals, the partnership provided not only work but dignity and purpose, at a time when local opportunities were scarce.

For both firms, the collaboration has created a reliable, sustainable solution.

“What began as a temporary response to crisis has become a long-term, sustainable partnership. It has shown us the real power of the MGI network, because when we work together, everyone gains,” says Lakshman.

Now, two years on, the collaboration continues to thrive, offering a model for other MGI members: turning challenges into opportunities through trust, connection, and the strength of the global network.

... and tell us yours

Is your MGI membership benefiting your firm? Do you have stories of collaboration and growth – let us know. We would love to share them. Contact Emma Rowley [email protected]

MGI Worldwide is a top 20 ranked global accounting network and association with over 8,800 professionals, accountants and tax experts in some 440 locations in almost 100 countries around the world.

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