CA Sri Lanka grants associate membership to 215 new graduates at 2012 convocation

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) granted the distinguished associate membership status to 215 passed finalists of the chartered accounting course offered by the Institute at the 2012 annual convocation held at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla on Thursday.

Joining a fraternity of nearly 4200 existing CA Sri Lanka members, the Associate Certificates were awarded to the new members at a gala event which was graced by Secretary to the Ministry of Co-operatives and Internal Trade G.K.D. Amarawardena who represented Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Johnston Fernando, who was the chief guest at the event. The guest of honour was Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC Group CEO Pravir Samarasinghe.

Speaking at the event CA Sri Lanka President Sujeewa Rajapakse emphasised that chartered accountants earn high respect both at a local and international level as well as in society and the employment opportunities that await them are numerous and remarkable.

“But the business world is becoming more challenging; organisations are becoming more complex and demand much more from professionals in comparison to a few years back. Keeping up with the continuing changes at a global and local level is challenging, yet to succeed one has to be well informed and up to date constantly,” he noted.

He emphasised that although the new members graduate following the completion of their course, their learning process will not end despite the graduation. “Learning and education will always be a continuing process, to keep you updated and help you stay relevant at a professional level,” he said.

“Today as you celebrate this landmark day in your life, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you the importance of maintaining your professional integrity. Being a professional has its rewards and challenges, and being a professional is a responsibility. And it is your responsibility to discharge your responsibilities well while maintaining your respect and integrity and above all always ensure you discharge them ethically,” the CA Sri Lanka President noted.

“Today you become proud members of CA Sri Lanka, joining in a proud legacy of chartered accountants who have been key players in the business world since the inception of the institute in 1959. It is your responsibility to ensure that this proud legacy continues,” Rajapakse urged.

Ministry Secretary Mr. Amarawardena declared that he was pleased with the present performance of the institute, which stands as the largest accounting and financial professional body in the country.

“The role and scope of chartered accountants have revolutionised and expanded. They have proved their ability to contribute proactively at a business and national level, which goes beyond tradition roles,” he said.

Amarawardena also praised the institute for the efforts taken to spread its wings to other cities across the country, thereby giving access to anyone and everyone who want to embark in the accounting profession.

“But there are many challenges ahead, so to ensure chartered accountants continue their strong standing in the business world, the institute should ensure they are enriched with other required skills including being IT savvy apart from inculcating the technical skills,” he added.

Speaking at the event, guest of honour, Samarasinghe, who is a chartered accountant and a fellow member of CA Sri Lanka emphasised that chartered accountants have the highest employability among all other professions.

“However as a new member of globally recognised institute, you should ensure you discharge your duties well and with responsibility. Hard work should not be compromised. Just like hard work, smart work is also important,” he said.

Samarasinghe also underscored the importance for the new members to develop their other skills including communication skills, relationship skills, soft skills and presentation skills, all which are important to be a successful chartered accountant. 

Special prizes were also awarded to a total of 12 prize winners who fared exceptionally well at the strategic level examinations in December 2011 and June 2012 and at the top CA case study examinations in December 2011 and May 2012.