CA Sri Lanka to produce future-ready, globally savvy tax specialists with newly revamped tax advisor course

Sanjaya Bandara presenting the first copy of the revamped curriculum of the Chartered Tax Advisor to Hapuarachchi 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) on Wednesday unveiled the Chartered Tax Advisor course with the ambition of creating future-ready, globally savvy tax professionals.

The newly revamped curriculum of the Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) program was unveiled at the Institute premises in the presence of distinguished invitees, including Inland Revenue Commissioner General D.R.S. Hapuarachchi, CA Sri Lanka President Sanjaya Bandara, CA Sri Lanka Vice President Heshana Kuruppu, School of Taxation Chairman Tishan Subasinghe, Curriculum Development Committee Chairman Saman Srilal and CA Sri Lanka acting Chief Executive Officer Prasanna Liyanage.

Formerly known as the Certified Tax Advisor program, the newly revamped program offers a comprehensive and contemporary curriculum that integrates the latest in Sri Lankan tax laws and incorporates global trends in economics, tax planning, transfer pricing, and international taxation.

Building on the fact that the CA Sri Lanka tax program is one of the most sought-after tax qualifications in the country, the newly launched Chartered Tax Advisor program is offered at three levels. A student who completes the CTA Awareness (first level) can qualify as a ‘Certified Tax Accountant,’ while a student who completes the CTA Professional (second level) can qualify as a ‘Certified Tax Professional.’ The third and final level of the program is the CTA Advisory level, where a student can qualify as a “Chartered Tax Advisor” upon successfully completing the final stage.

Sanjaya Bandara said that since inception, CA Sri Lanka has been empowering the nation by offering internationally reputed qualifications, and as a world-class professional body, the Institute understands the need to remain contemporary and relevant, and hence it has taken the necessary steps to consistently revamp its qualifications in line with local and global requirements as well as market needs.

“As a pioneer in tax education, the School of Taxation of CA Sri Lanka has been at the forefront of producing resourceful and skilled tax professionals since the launch of the CTA program in 2011,” he said.

Bandara added that CA Sri Lanka takes pride in being a powerful force in the professional domain, and the Institute is continuously driven by the vision to produce exceptional professionals. “With the launch of the new curriculum of the CTA program, I am certain that the newly revamped CTA program will produce future-ready, globally savvy tax specialists to lead the world of taxation.”

The one-and-a-half-year CTA program equips students with in-depth knowledge and skills in various aspects of taxation. It covers a wide range of tax laws, regulations, economics, and practical aspects, allowing students to become experts in the field.

The newly revamped CTA program encompasses some very critical areas relevant to the tax professional. The program is not limited to only tax laws, but also focuses extensively on economics, governance, and ethics, apart from bringing in important practical aspects. Students who aspire to be qualified as a CTA must complete 10 written papers and a practical experience module to be a CTA. The course does not limit the knowledge aspects to only tax laws but also covers exchange control law, the board of investment law, ethics law, base erosion and profit shifting law, apart from focusing extensively on the legal system in Sri Lanka.

With employers often seeking individuals who specialise in tax knowledge along with the ability to handle complex tax issues, the CTA qualification can significantly enhance one’s career prospects. By completing the CTA course, students also demonstrate their commitment to professional development and increase their chances of securing high-level positions, promotions, and better job prospects.