CA Sri Lanka launches CPD Online Academy to enhance skills of chartered accountants

In an innovative move to be on par with global professional bodies, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently launched the CPD Online Academy, to offer discerning chartered accountants both in Sri Lanka and overseas a platform to enhance their professional competence and gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to help them succeed in today’s competitive business environment. 

The CPD Online Academy which allows chartered accountants to develop their knowledge at the convenience of their home or office, was launched by Minister of Special Assignments Dr. Sarath Amunugama at a ceremony held in Colombo.

CPD is a mandatory requirement for chartered accountants, as it helps them enhance their professional skills to remain relevant with changes at a local and international level. 

The CPD Online Academy will help chartered accountants enhance their knowledge on pertinent topics in relation to their professional progression. The CPD programs have been carefully selected to challenge, stimulate and inspire chartered accountants, whilst also allowing them to obtain CPD hours, and help them progress as highly sought after professionals. 

The academy offers programs covering leadership, negotiation skills, tax, demand side management and cyber security, for the benefit of chartered accountants living and working both locally and overseas to help them develop their competencies further, so they could reach greater heights in their professional careers. Online CPD programs have been introduced through two online academies. The institute is also in the process of introducing more programmes to the academy covering strategic management, economics among other topics, in addition to core technical programs relevant to accounting professionals. 

CA Sri Lanka President Lasantha Wickremasinghe said that for chartered accountants, life-long learning is a must as it complements the building of knowledge and skills to help them succeed in the current competitive business environment. “Today, our members lead both local and global companies because of their unique skills and there is no doubt that the mandatory CPD requirement of a Chartered Accountant has further boosted their professional competency as it allows members to continuously be updated and educated with changes in the global arena, thus helping them remain relevant at all times,” he said.

Wickremasinghe said that the institute decided to launch the CPD Online Academy to help develop the expertise of the chartered accountants further, which in turn will help enhance their individual roles and help maintain their demand in the corporate world throughout their career. 

CA Sri Lanka CPD Committee Chairman Heshana Kuruppu said that staying relevant is important if a profession is to achieve success in their chosen fields. “So I encourage our members to take maximum advantage of this online academy, which will help them enhance their knowledge and standing as globally sought after professionals,” he said. 

Kuruppu also said that in 2016, CA Sri Lanka offered a total of 426 CPD hours through various programs offered for member development. “We believe we can increase this number further with the introduction of the CPD Online Academy. The online academy offers more flexibility for our busy members and they can develop their knowledge and obtain more CPD hours without being physically present at a workshop or seminar,” he added.