The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) granted the distinguished associate membership status to 215 passed finalists of the chartered accounting course offered by the Institute at the 2012 annual convocation held at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla on Thursday.
Joining a fraternity of nearly 4200 existing CA Sri Lanka members, the Associate
Certificates were awarded to the new members at a gala event which was graced by Secretary to the Ministry of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Mr. G.K.D. Amarawardena who represented Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, Hon. Johnston Fernando, who was the chief guest at the event. The guest of honour was Group Chief Executive Officer of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, Mr. Pravir Samarasinghe.
Speaking at the event, CA Sri Lanka President Mr. Sujeewa Rajapakse emphasized that Chartered accountants earn high respect both at a local and international level as well as in society and the employment opportunities that await them are numerous and remarkable.
“But the business world is becoming more challenging; organisations are becoming more complex and demand much more from professionals in comparison to a few years back. Keeping up with the continuing changes at a global and local level is challenging, yet to succeed one has to be well informed and up to date constantly,” he noted.
He emphasized that although the new members graduate following the completion of their course, their learning process will not end despite the graduation. “Learning and education will always be a continuing process, to keep you updated and help you stay relevant at a professional level,” he said.
“Today as you celebrate this landmark day in your life, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you the importance of maintaining your professional integrity.
Being a professional has its rewards and challenges, and being a professional is a responsibility. And it is your responsibility to discharge your responsibilities well while maintaining your respect and integrity and above all always ensure you discharge them ethically,” the CA Sri Lanka President noted.
“Today you become proud members of CA Sri Lanka, joining in a proud legacy of chartered accountants who have been key players in the business world since the inception of the Institute in 1959. It is your responsibility to ensure that this proud legacy continues,” Mr. Rajapakse urged.