CIMA to bring more BPO operators

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

CIMA Sri Lanka will work closely with the Government to increase economic activities enhancing its involvement in the public sector, Divisional President, CIMA Sri Lanka Gowri Shanker said announcing her vision for 2008/2009.

Shanker is the second woman to head this institution in Sri Lanka and is the third woman President worldwide. She said discussions were held with the Government and BPO operators on outsourcing business processes and knowledge.

“CIMA can bring business to Sri Lanka. We had discussions with BPO operators. Increasing of BPO activities can increase economic activities. Security and inflation remain as challenges, which have to be addressed at the macro level. CIMA can bring financial and accountancy related business to Sri Lanka,” Shanker said.

“CIMA Sri Lanka will take the business community forward. We will work closely with the Government and public enterprises to create value. We will think of ways to minimise the brain drain. Economic activities should increase to retain all professionals and graduates in the country,” she added.

Revealing her vision Shanker said she will reinforce professional excellence under the theme `Profession First’.

“This year will be dedicated to the advancement of the Management Accountancy profession. The profession will be equipped, enriched and elevated,” she said.

Shanker noted that CIMA Sri Lanka has created value in the private sector. “CIMA Sri Lanka also can create value in the public sector. We will advocate thought leadership through technical forums where new ideas will be encouraged. Our discipline is in the business of creating value. Value creation is the foundation of any business,” she said.

“Business today demands intelligent and insightful professionals with a strategic vision. Students are our future wealth. Student development and growth will thus be a major focus in developing the ideal professional the world demands,” Shanker added.

Gowri Shanker is also committed to launch Islamic finance. “CIMA UK launched Islamic Finance last year.

We will launch Islamic Finance as a master course and we will be the only institution in Sri Lanka to provide a certificate,” she said.