CIMA launches Leadership Engagement for Aspiring Professionals program 2020, LEAP.20

The Student Development Committee of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Sri Lanka Network Panel recently launched the 2020 edition of L.E.A.P (Leadership Engagement for Aspiring Professionals) – a unique mentoring program for strategic level and exam complete students. 

Held for the second time, the initiative is part of the Student Development Committee’s drive towards enhancing student capabilities and ensuring workforce readiness while providing access to professional networking. 

Through this program, 40 selected mentees have been given the opportunity to connect with nine corporate leaders, industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs, thereby complementing their technical learning with the practical experience and insights of the mentors. 

The mentoring sessions will cover topics such as career guidance, people management and stress management and are specially focused towards addressing the specific challenges faced by students given the prevalent conditions. 

The mentors are Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC Chief Human Resources Officer Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya, KPMG Partner Kamaya Perera, BoardPAC and IronOne Technologies Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Lakmini Wijesundara, National Savings Bank/Fentons Ltd./Hayleys Group Services Director Manohari Abeysekera, FCMA, CGMA, Fonterra Finance Controller Mohan Wijebandara, Brandix Senior General Manager, Corporate Finance Niroshan Jayasuriya ACMA, CGMA, BoardPac Chief Operating Officer Rajitha Kurupumulle, Ernst and Young Partner (Advisory and Risk Services) Ranil De Saram ACMA, CGMA, and Stretchline Holdings Chief Information Officer Shanaka Rabel, ACMA, CGMA. 

Speaking at the CIMA LEAP 2.0 induction program, CIMA Sri Lanka Network Panel Chair Rifka Ziyard, FCMA, CGMA said: “It’s indeed a pleasure to be part of this e-induction program for LEAP 2.0 and many congratulations to the Student Development Committee led by Prashani Illangasekara, ACMA, CGMA for being able to unfold this mentoring program for the CIMA Strategic Level Students and Exam Completes. Given that the year 2020 is one of the most challenging years, we feel that LEAP 2.0 will be very relevant to young CIMA professionals. We are extremely proud and thankful to all the mentors who are top notch business leaders who have agreed to spend their valuable time to inspire these young professionals.”  

The CIMA Student Development Committee is represented by Prashani Illangasekera (Chair), Krishantha Atukorala, Shanaka Rabel, Madurika Samarasekera, Mafaz Ansar, Malshan Cooray, Fahad Sheriff, Kavitha Yogarajah, Sanjaya Wijesekare, Sarala Nirmani, Haroon Mowjood, Bhagya Liyanage and Shaazry Hussain.