CA Sri Lanka exams on track amidst COVID challenges
Notwithstanding the back-to-back lockdowns and related COVID-19 challenges, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) continued to conduct exams throughout its academic calendar to ensure CA students successfully complete the globally renowned Chartered Accounting qualification without undue delays.
Since the country’s first lockdown in March last year, the education sector has been severely impacted due to the closure of schools and educational institutes on the orders of the health authorities. But CA Sri Lanka was quick to adapt to the challenges by converting the traditional physical exams to online exams.
As a result, CA Sri Lanka conducted exams on a virtual platform in accordance with the academic year, allowing aspiring Chartered Accountants to sit for the CA exams from the safety and comfort of their own homes, without exposing themselves to the coronavirus.
Mr. Manil Jayesinghe, President of CA Sri Lanka, stated that the Institute has been successful in conducting a total of 17 exams since last year to date due to the quick steps taken to adapt to the challenging circumstances. "The education sector has been inactive for almost a year, and it is one of the most severely affected sectors not just locally but also all over the world," he noted.
Therefore, Mr. Jayesinghe said that staying true to its standing as a world-class professional body, CA Sri Lanka decided to take remedial steps by converting the physical exams into virtual exams. "Our goal is to ensure that our students will complete the CA programme within three years. Therefore, as a responsible Institute, we will continue to provide them with the necessary support and facilities to help them achieve their lifelong professional dreams."
According to Mr. Tishan Subasinghe, Chairman of the CA Sri Lanka Examination Committee, of the 17 exams, four were conducted physically, whilst the remaining 13 exams were conducted via an online platform, including during the most recent lockdown.
"Exams were conducted using a very sophisticated monitoring system in line with international standards. During every online exam, proctors ensured there was no room for misconduct by the students who were sitting for the exam online from a remote location," he said.
Ms. Dulani Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of CA Sri Lanka highlighted that due to the global shutdown and international travel restrictions since last year, CA Sri Lanka also converted the physical case study exams into an online exam for the benefit of CA students residing and working overseas as they were unable to travel to Sri Lanka due to the non-availability of flights and other travel restrictions.
"As a world-class institute, we are committed to offering our students in Sri Lanka and located across the world the best of services and facilities apart from a recognised qualification. Our ultimate aim is to produce world-class professionals who will drive forward the dynamic corporate world," she said.
Meanwhile, plans are also afoot to recommence physical exams in adherence to the health guidelines issued by health authorities. CA Sri Lanka is already making arrangements to conduct the Business Level exam in November upon approval by the relevant authorities.The CA Sri Lanka qualification is globally recognised and is one of the preferred qualifications in Sri Lanka. It is well-known for offering a futuristic curriculum as it incorporates a multitude of global and local trends, current and future market needs, and versatile skills ranging from finance to strategic leadership and management.
Students with a minimum of three simple passes at the GCE Advanced Level examination from any subject stream can register with CA Sri Lanka and kick start a successful career as a Chartered Accountant. For more information, visit www.casrilanka.com or call 070 400 2 999.
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159CA: Proctors in action at an online CA Sri Lanka exam.
