Monday, 15 September 2014 00:00
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In order for the students to prepare for the examination, the IBSL released a list of recommended text books, reading materials and a set of guidance questions papers which are available in the IBSL Website. Nearly 100 international text books were acquired for the IBSL Library. A new panel of resource persons was recruited from the qualified and experienced professionals in the banking and finance profession. The preparation of subject-wise study packs is now in the process.
IBSL Graduate School coming up
As the next step of the new academic programme, the Graduateship Programme in Applied Banking and Finance is planned to commence in 2015. For this purpose, the IBSL Graduate School of Banking and Finance will be established in the 13-storied new building being constructed at a prime location in the Colombo City. The graduateship programme will be a comprehensive version on the IABF and DABF along with one year on-job training period through internship in banking and financial institutions and leading corporates. The Graduate School is promoted as a part of the Knowledge Hub Initiative of the Government. It will produce Sri Lankan graduates and professional in banking and finance who are quipped to enter the international banking and financial job market competitively while attracting foreign students. The Governing Board is in the process of getting the international recognition for the courses to be conducted by the IBSL Graduate School.
IBSL’s mandate given by Parliament
We wish to emphasise that the IBSL is the only academic institute specifically authorised by an Act of Parliament to offer training, examinations and qualifications in banking and finance subjects. As per the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Act No. 26 of 1979, the following is the mandate of the IBSL.
a) To provide instruction and training for employees of banking institutions and for employees of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in the study of the theory and practice of banking and of related subjects and of such purpose to provide all facilities including lectures, discussions and library facilities;
b) To conduct examinations and to issue certificates to those who are successful in such examinations;
c) To facilitate and encourage discussions on matters of interest to bankers; and
d) To take such measures as may be desirable to further the interest of banking.
The IBSL is completing its 50th anniversary this year and now has reached the status of awarding market-recognised academic and professional qualifications in banking and finance including graduate programme. At present, the total number of students in active registration with IBSL is about 30,000 and the total membership inclusive of Associates and Fellows stands at 35,000 which amply proves the professional strength of the IBSL. The IBSL, through this new academic programme, is to introduce a new profession of banking and finance which is required by banks, non-banking financial institutions, corporate sector and investors to better manage their banking and financial businesses in the emerging high middle income Sri Lanka. The subject streams and coverage in the new programme have been specifically designed for that purpose to provide the new profession with the up-to-date knowledge in theory and application of banking and finance subjects and focus on the quality and the professionalism that will be recognised by the market in few years to come.
We wish to place on record the excellent leadership given by the Governor of the Central Bank, for us to confront and win numerous challenges faced in moving the IBSL in this new direction. Innovations and reform in education curriculum are extremely challenging and difficult. The members of the Governing Board being the leading banking CEOs and high-ranking bank officials provide fullest support to the IBSL through their individual and institutional supports. We recognise the students and resource persons (lecturers and examiners) as the most valuable stakeholders who move the IBSL forward.
We invite students and professionals to join the new programme to yield long-term career benefits and to stay relevant to the ever-emerging global banking and financial markets.
