AAT celebrates 20th anniversary

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) of Sri Lanka celebrated its 20th anniversary by holding its annual conference for 2007 under the theme 'Transparency and Accountability'.

Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operative and Consumer Services Minister, Bandula Gunawardena, the Chief Guest, said a Bill will be presented in parliament next year on the Association of Accounting Technicians. For this purpose the government will seek the advice of the Chartered Association of Sri Lanka, he said.

The Minister said the Asian Development Bank and other international agencies felt the need to set up a body for Accounting Technicians to cater to the needs of the expanding market almost two decades ago. There was a campaign against the formation of the AAT by teachers who discouraged students from enrolling for AAT membership. Teachers who taught accountancy told students that there wasn't a syllabus for AAT.

As he was involved with the AAT there were brickbats hurled at him. However, he was happy to contribute Rs 10,000 when the AAT body was initially set up. The AAT can be proud of its achievement today as a recognised international and local body that creates skilled personnel, he said.

President, Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AATSL) Lal Nanayakkara said a few months ago Indian professionals contacted the AATSL for advice when they wanted to set up an AAT body there. The Indian government approved the setting up of an AAT body immediately owing to the dearth of accountants.

Later the Nepalese professionals approached us and sought our advice to set up an AAT body there. "We are proud that our discipline was held as a model in Asian countries", he said.

He said the AATSL had come a long way after its humble beginnings two decades ago. The Association was formed without any capital. He praised Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Lakshman Watawala for their contribution in forming the AATSL.

He said the Association had its setbacks when the number of students dropped owing to postponements of AAT examinations taking to Information Technology. After some time AAT bounced back when students started enrolling for AAT courses. Today there are 35,000 AAT students, he said.

Director, Postgraduate Institute of Management, Dr. Uditha Liyanage who was the Guest of Honour said he was glad that the AATSL was able to move from strength to strength.