IBSL helps prepare students for challenges ahead

The 13th annual convocation of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) was held on October 24 where around 367 certificates, gold medals, diplomas and cash prizes and certificates were awarded in addition to electing two Honorary Fellows and two Fellows.

The Two Honorary Fellows of IBSL for 2008 are Deputy Governor Central Bank Dr. Ranee Jayamaha and Managing Director CEO of Hatton National Bank (HNB), R. Theagarajah.

The Fellows of IBSL for 2008 are Director Senior DGM Corporate and Foreign Currency Banking Seylan Bank PLC Ajantha Madurapperuma and Senior Manager Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC Sarath Chandra Fernando.

The Chief Guest, Deputy Vice Chancellor (learning and teaching) Northumbria University UK Prof. Craig Mahoney said that the qualifications offered by IBSL help to prepare students for the challenges ahead in today's rapidly changing financial world.

He said, "we are all very excited about the recent partnership between IBSL and the Newcastle Business School at the Northumbria University which provides parthways for students at IBSL to access a wide range of academic and professional qualifications.

With the help of our local representative Business Management School (BMS) we were able to develop this link with IBSL and become the first institution to provide such opportunities for IBSL graduates. The Guest of Honour was Deputy Governor CBSL, Dr. Ranee Jayamaha.

In addition to conducting classes to prepare students for banking examinations such as CBF and DBF, IBSL also organises one-day seminars on current topics, which are relevant to the financial industry and are in high demand among professionals not only in the industry but also outside the industry.

The tie-up with the School of Finance of the Institute of Financial Services (IFS), formerly known as the Chartered Institute of Bankers London is another significant achievement to gain international recognition for IBSL qualifications. The qualifications of IBSL and IFS are recognised by each other on a reciprocal basis, while the question papers and the answer scripts are evaluated and sent back while the marking of answer scripts are evaluated by them, said Chairman IBSL W. A. Wijewardena. He is also the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

He said that IBSL qualifications are certified jointly with IFS which makes it a highly recognised qualification for banking, non-banking financial institutions and other leading employers.

In addition, the Northumbria University in partnership with the IBSL provides degree pathways to obtain Bachelor and Masters degrees.

He said that it is a unique opportunity for IBSL students to obtain dual professional and academic qualifications with international recognition. The Northumbria University based in Newcastle UK maintains a reputation as one of UK's best modern universities and is proud of the quality of teaching.

A student who completes the ACBF or the DBF can proceed to the University of Northumbria and sit for the final year of the BA (Hons) in Finance and Investment Management or a BA Hons in Business and Finance.

A student who completes the DBF can proceed to do an MBA at the University of Northumbria. She said that a student who goes to the UK for one year of study gets a two-year work permit while IBSL students are given a 1,000-pound scholarship.

To be eligible for higher studies the student should be willing to learn and expand horizons. Wijewardena said that a student who sits for the first examination in his/her native language are given special training in English so that they can sit for the Diploma examinations in English.

The Bankers Training Institute (BTI) was set up in January 1964 to cater to the growing needs of the banking sector by conducting short courses for selected groups from banks and were conducted in English and Sinhala, said Wijewardena.

SG