Largest ever passing out. . .:

Over 540 Chartered Accountants inducted

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) created a record by inducting 544 Associate Chartered Accountants (ACAs) at the 2015 Convocation at the BMICH recently.

Chairman, Ceylon Hospitals PLC (Durdans Healthcare Group) and Group Director, Tudawe Brothers Ltd., Ajith E. Tudawe and President of CA Sri Lanka, Arjuna Herath were also present.

This is the first time in the Institute's 55-year-old history, that over 500 new Chartered Accountants were inducted at a single convocation. This year's record number of Chartered Accountants is a result of the groundbreaking CA syllabus launched last year and the three case study exams conducted by the institute.

President, CA Sri Lanka, Arjuna Herath said that members of CA Sri Lanka command respect across the world, and locally CA Sri Lanka members give leadership to an impressive number of corporates, while also sitting in the nerve centre of organisations in their professional capacity as accountants.

"We also have a strong international presence with over 30 percent of our members in 42 countries across all continents. Opportunities are immense for career progression here and abroad," he said.

Herath said that in the backdrop of growing challenges and complexities in the world, the role of the accountant is changing significantly and rapidly.

"Therefore, to ensure you are relevant in today's constantly changing and challenging world, up to date knowledge and skills is perhaps the most important factor. As professionals you have to continue to assimilate and advance your knowledge through continuous learning. I encourage our new associate members to take maximum benefit of the continuing professional development programs we offer at the institute," he said.

Vice President, CA Sri Lanka, Lasantha Wickremasinghe said that CA Sri Lanka qualified Chartered Accountants earn high respect at local and international level and in society. He said that accounting is not a stagnant profession and today a significant number of CA Sri Lanka members are chairmen, vice presidents, directors, CEOs, CFOs among other high ranking positions.

"Today is the beginning of a prestigious journey for you and remember tomorrow you can be a director, a CEO or a CFO. The journey may not be easy but it is full of unlimited prospects. Be better at what you do and you will be in demand always," he added.