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by Chamitha Kuruppu

Doing several things simultaneously is not impossible but requires extra dedication, commitment and hard work and it could also be the secret behind some successful people such as 25-year-old Hasitha Premaratna.

The experience and exposure he gained as a student through his involvement in different fields - studies, sports, scouting and club membership to name a few - set the background for Hasitha to face the future bravely.

Hasitha Premaratna

His desire to obtain professional qualifications while reading for his Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science enabled him to qualify as an associate member of three professional accounting bodies - the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA), the Associate of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Society of Certified Management Accountants(ACMA).

Hasitha appears to have all that for his efforts. He is the Research Manager of HNB Stock Brokers. He conducts financial consultancy programs for companies to recognise and re-direct their operations to meet the strategic objectives and also a senior lecturer for CIMA and ACMA.

In addition to the basic management responsibilities of the department, Hasitha works as the strategist of the team. His responsibilities include analysing produce research reports on the leading listed companies in the country, producing a daily report and a weekly report as well as conducting presentations to local and foreign clients, on the strategic direction of the Colombo Stock Market.

Hasitha got through his Advanced Level with 'flying colours' and was selected to the Faculty of Engineering in the University of Moratuwa. During his school days at Royal College Hasitha dreamt of becoming an engineer one day and having been selected to the Faculty of Engineering his dream was half fulfilled. Things changed, I realised that I didn't want to become an engineer any more, he says seriously. It was a wise decision that I made to change my field from engineering to computer science, otherwise I will be still in the University with the rest of my batch. Hasitha's scholastic performances boasts of a Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Computer Science from the University of Colombo.

While he was reading for his degree Hasitha completed his professional qualifications in CIMA and ACCA as well.

I never wanted to be an accountant though I commenced CIMA, I didn't have an exact target at that time but I knew I wanted to reach a place higher and broader than an accountant could achieve.

Other than his excellent academic performance Hasitha is well known for his achievements in sports as well. His achievements in sports during the university career includes being the Vice Captain of the University badminton team in 2001. He was awarded university colours for the years '99 and 2000, University of Colombo and also won the inter-university badminton championships in two years. He was awarded Sri Lanka Universities Sports Colours in 2001.

Reviving his memories Hasitha says the day he won the Lalith Athulathmudali Award for the most outstanding Royalist of the year 1997, was the most memorable day in his life.

Obtaining the internationally recognised scout Wood Badge, which is the highest award for a scout leader, is considered a big achievement though he has a professional career to boast about.

What made Hasitha to achieve all these milestones even before reaching the age of 25? Hard work and dedication, says Hasitha adding that he always set very high standards.

If I don't achieve something I think I am under performing and keep on trying till I reach what I want to be, Hasitha chuckles.

Hasitha speaks about his parents with gratitude. They were my driving force, he said. He also speaks fondly about his teachers in college, colleagues at office as well as Deva Ellapola, who is his current boss for the support they have extended.

When asked about the high rate of unemployment Hasitha shot back that most of the educated youth lack exposure. He also pointed out that having mere experience and academic qualifications is not sufficient today to get a white collar job.

One should have the ability to accept the negative qualities. It is very important to be armed with a professional tool such as CIMA and ACCA apart from your academic qualifications.

Whatever you're doing you should have a positive thinking and do it with pleasure, he gives hints from his recipe of success.

There is a lot of potential in this country for people with ability. Therefore, if one could work towards serious directions it is not difficult to achieve what you desire, Hasitha said. He said that being genuine in whatever you do is very important when it comes to achieving goals.

He talked about the large number of talented youth who have left the country for better prospects. A number of offers came from top companies abroad but I turned them down because I strongly believe that I should be a part of the development of this country since it is my responsibility for the education and opportunities given to me, he said.

He said he sets targets, what will be his next goal? I have a rough idea about the future, I am thinking of commencing my Masters' degree. I believe that in a fast changing world it is somewhat risky to stick to one goal as such. That is why I take part in different activities. Because if my career doesn't go well I can always concentrate on my lecturing, Hasitha chuckles.

Whenever I reach a certain milestone I make it a point to re-evaluate myself; whether I've reached where I wanted to be and taken the correct path.

When it comes to work I am strictly disciplined but that does not mean I don't enjoy life.

Though time does not permit him to go out and have fun as often as an ordinary 25-year-old Hasitha says he always tries to find time to be with his family. Whenever possible I go out with my friends and enjoy a deep breath of fresh air, he said.

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