CMA Sri Lanka Speech Craft ninth batch excel in Fast Track Completion

Seated from left: R. Mayuran, Shanthi Maheswaran, Chandana Samaraweera, Dian Abeyewardene, Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, H.M. Hennayake Bandara, Anil Indika, Shermal Fernandopulle and Ashini Imalka. Standing: CMA speech crafters Batch 9 

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka’s (CMA) relentless pursuit to equip professional accountants with communication and leadership skills had another twist to the ninth batch, under the guidance of Founder President Professor Lakshman R. Watawala. 

Two special modules to focus on leadership attributes titled ‘Career Path Guidance and Positive Thinking’ and ‘Teamwork and Time Management’ were also included in the ‘content package’ 12-week speech craft program which was put on ‘fast track’ to complete in just six weeks.

The CMA Sri Lanka Membership intake for 2018 cut-off date for eligibility was scheduled for 11 December and therefore the applicants had to fulfil the compulsory requirement of completing and obtaining the Speech Craft certificate prior to the relevant date. As such, the progressive and positive thinking enabled to implement the Fast Track program and complete the 12-week program by conducting additional sessions on Sundays and holidays to complete the program. 

The incredible result was that the enthusiastic and committed participants, keen to fulfil the requirement to obtain CMA membership, stepped up to the plate, and attended the fast track program and delivered one of the best Speech Craft Award Ceremony program in comparison with all of the other previous eight batches. The dedication was outstanding, since the participants represented Apex Level students completing the CMA Speech Craft program from Jaffna, Trincomalee, Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Matara and Colombo displaying the utmost commitment to complete the program successfully.

The performance of the Speech Crafters in public speaking, leadership skills, time management and role-playing was exceptional at the meeting, with the President and Assistant Director Finance, a lady in a Government Department, fulfilling 100% attendance travelling daily from Ratnapura, overcoming all obstacles of work and family responsibilities apart from health challenges. 

The resilience of the entire batch was simply outstanding with three senior accountants from Jaffna, staying over in Colombo to attend the program over the weekend and also with the Poya day sandwiched in between. Two other senior accountants from Trincomalee also made their commitment to attend.

Five outstanding speeches were delivered exceptionally well. In addition the ‘impromptu speech’ segment was also outstanding. The role play was meticulous with the Toastmaster of the Meeting, completing the meeting ahead of schedule.

CMA Sri Lanka Toastmaster Club President Anil Indika chaired the Awards Ceremony segment and commended Professor Watawala for his vision to empower CMA accountants with communication skills especially from the outstations and said: “This batch has proved beyond doubt that the Vision of Prof. Lakshman Watawala has reached all parts of Sri Lanka, with the exemplary participation from the North, East, South, Central Province and of course the Western Province.”

Prof. Watawala endorsed the sentiments and added that every speech delivered had a message for everyone in the audience and personally, the aspects of ‘smile’ making a person younger, women in the modern era, endorsed by the increasing number of women rising in the professional ranks evidenced by the current IFAC President being a woman. The topic of entrepreneurship encouraging accountants to venture in to business, food to be consumed in moderation to avoid overeating and ill health. Sports and exercise to be done at all ages to stay fit and good health to build a healthy corporate sector and society.

The Certificate Awarding Ceremony followed the Final Speech Craft session and was conducted by the Course Facilitator Dian Abeyewardene, with the Certificates distributed by Chief Guest on the occasion, Professor Lakshman R. Watawala, H.M. Hennayake Bandara, Vice President CMA Sri Lanka, Charter President, CMA Toastmasters Club, Chandana Samaraweera and President CMA Sri Lanka Toastmasters Club Anil Indika.

The awards ceremony was followed by lunch and all arrangements meticulously carried out by Shanthi Maheswaran and the Administrative team of CMA Sri Lanka.

The next Batch is scheduled to commence in January 2019.