Accountants are flag bearers in shaping global image of Sri Lanka: CB Governor

Thursday, 23 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The role of accountants as those who are capable of shaping the economic development of the country will come into play stronger than ever, as the country looks at development and enjoying continuous progress.

CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal speaking at the induction of the22nd President of CA Sri Lanka stated that Sri Lanka is now on a new journey, as it records unprecedented growth and well maintenance of macro fundamentals on a sustainable basis. “We have had times in history where we have had ‘good patches’. The essential factor we should all aspire for now is to have those good patches, not as patches but as a continuing one. That is now slowly being reflected in the numbers, as well as in the good feeling that is built within the country.” In that mould, accountancy profession will have a key role in shaping the economy for the future. Cabraal said: “We in Government and Government authorities are keen to have the contribution of accountants at the highest levels and in a wider scope. We will have plenty of opportunities over the next few years to really play a role in shaping economic development in the country.” In his view, there is no other profession that can do this as well as accountants could. In order to do so it is necessary to stay in touch with all international practices so that ‘we’ are truly connected to the rest of the world in our international affairs as well as internationalisation of our overall economy, he added. “You will be the flag bearers. Take the message that Sri Lanka is able to fit in with the rest of the world and take our economy forward, while playing a role in shaping global events as well.” The Governor acknowledged that the State has relied on charted accountants on many occasions, and has never been misguided or disappointed. “We have relied on you on many occasions and our reliance has not been misplaced.” With the expected transformation of the nation, the profession too will have to undergo transformative surgeries in order to play its role as a flag bearer and to support the economy. “We will, over the next few months and years, consolidate our banking and non-banking sector. We will in the next few years internationalise our economy by connecting to the rest of the world through maritime, aviation, knowledge, commercial and tourism and we will also expect you to find partners from outside so that you will also be catalysts in taking this role forward,” Cabraal asserted.