CA Sri Lanka recognises dynamic BPO sector to conduct professional training for aspiring Chartered Accountants

Marking yet another contemporary stride in expanding the professional horizons for its aspiring accountants, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently recognised the dynamic BPO sector to carry out professional training for its mammoth student base.

Paving the way for a long-term strategy to move forward with contemporary requirements for the benchmark CA professional qualification amidst emerging business sectors and new market trends, CA Sri Lanka formally recognised the BPO sector as a separate sector to conduct professional experience for CA students, which is a mandatory component in the CA programme for all aspiring professional accountants including Chartered Accountants.

The BPO sector was recognised at a special event held at the

Institute which was graced by Mr. Sanjaya Bandara, President of CA Sri Lanka, Mr. Chamara Abeyrathne, Chairman of the Student Training and Skill Development Committee, Ms. Dulani Fernando, CEO of CA Sri Lanka, Ms. Lakmali Priyangika, Director of Students Affairs, Mr. Chandana Gurusinghe, Chairman of the Sub-Committee to Develop the BPO Sector Evaluation Criteria; and Mr. Jehan Perinpanayagam, Vice Chairman of Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM).

Representatives from leading BPO and BPM companies including WNS Global, Infomate, Hayleys Business Solutions, MAS Legato, and HSBC Business Solutions Pvt Ltd., among others attended the ceremony.

Addressing the event, Mr.

Bandara highlighted that the recognition of a new sector, which is a special milestone in the history of the Institute, will also lead to the creation of ample new opportunities for CA trainees. “This landmark initiative will also complement our vision to produce competent and contemporary professionals who can cater to the demands of existing and emerging business sectors and market needs.”

In his speech, Mr. Perinpanayagam said that two proud institutes are joining hands to create history in the BPO/BPM industry, which is continuously growing and attracting new investors, resulting in a larger contribution to the Sri Lankan economy.

The professional experience, commonly known as practical training, in the CA Sri Lanka curriculum, plays a pivotal role in helping students acquire important professional skills, which in turn pave the way for them to become competent and holistic accounting professionals geared to join the corporate world soon after successfully completing the CA programme.