Annual ICASL Convocation an unforgettable evening

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 was held recently at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, in the presence of over 800 guests.

Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade Secretary Sunil Sirisena graced the event as the Chief Guest while Lion Brewery (Ceylon) Director/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 recognised at the convocation.

ICASL President Sujeewa Mudalige speaking at the convention disclosed that chartered accountants played a leading role in Sri Lanka’s boardrooms, with nearly 60 per cent of the top 50 companies listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange having a member of the ICASL either as chairman, CEO or finance director. He emphasised that no other profession had demonstrated such command in the country’s corporate sector boardrooms. 

He stressed that ICASL members were recognised 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.

Sirisena in his address emphasised 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.

Shah in his message noted that being a professional was a privilege and that it would bring challenges and rewards. “An accountant sits close to the nerve centre of any organisation. This close proximity to the decision making process provides numerous opportunities for career enhancement and growth.”

He emphasised that change was always constant but that it was not a threat and it indeed was 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.”