ICASL holds annual convocation
The annual convocation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Sri Lanka (ICASL) marked a significant moment in time for 29 senior
members who were elevated to the highest stratum in their professional
careers as fellow members; and 233 passed finalists of the Institute's
qualification who received their associate membership. The convocation
ceremony held recently at Waters Edge, Battaramulla at the presence of
over 800 guests.
Co-operatives and Internal Trade Ministry Secretary Sunil Sirisena
attended the event as the chief guest while Lion Brewery (Ceylon)
Director and Chief Executive Officer Suresh K. Shah was the guest of
honour at this annual event.
A total of 13 prize winners who fared exceptionally at the 2010/2011
examinations were also recognized at the convocation.
ICASL President Sujeewa Mudalige speaking at the convention disclosed
that chartered accountants play a leading role in Sri Lanka's
boardrooms; with nearly 60 percent of the top 50 companies listed in the
Colombo Stock Exchange has a member of the ICASL either as chairman, CEO
or Finance Director. He emphasized that no other profession has
demonstrated such command in the country's corporate sector boardrooms.
He stressed that ICASL members are recognized as holders of a highly
respected business qualification.
"As an institute, we should take great pride in what our founding
fathers created over 52 years ago. Over the years we have not only laid
a firm foundation but progressively strengthened that foundation and as
a result the ICASL is today a strong institution," Mudalige noted.
The chief guest at the ceremony, Cooperatives and Internal Trade
Ministry Secretary Sunil Sirisena in his address emphasized that Sri
Lanka was today at a threshold of a new era of development and invited
chartered accountants to play a more pivotal role in the country's
development drive.
Guest of honour, Shah in his message noted that being a professional
is a privilege and it will bring challenges and rewards. "An accountant
sits close to the nerve centre of any organization. This close proximity
to the decision making process provides numerous opportunities for
career enhancement and growth."
He emphasized that change is always constant but change is not a
threat and it indeed is an opportunity.
"Yet to take advantage of the opportunities that change brings,
accountants cannot remain static, taking comfort from exams completed.
This is why continuous professional development is crucial. The
reality is that professionals must learn more during the course of their
careers than they did for examinations.
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