Reflections The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka - Issue 2
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Reflections The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka Issue 2 | 2020
Contents 1 Foreword 4 Contributing to the global dialogue 6 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities in 2020 10 Strategic collaborations and flagship events 18 Subcommittee activities 22 Student recruitment activities 28 Student development and progression activities 30 Member services 34 Member recognitions 35 Pathway promotional activities 36 Offers for our students 37 CIMA Sri Lanka Toastmasters Club (TMC) update 38 CIMASS activities in 2020 39 Registered tuition partners 40 Our corporate partners 41 A revolution in professional education 42 The team behind the scenes
Foreword
It is during challenging times that we show our worth, and I would like to congratulate
CIMA® Sri Lanka for the magnificent efforts they have made during 2020 to support our
members. Some highlights include the help members volunteered to provide for SMEs
as part of an expert panel. In the past few months, they lent their expertise through brief
one-on-one sessions to assist businesses during these challenging COVID-19 times.
Another is CIMA Sri Lanka’s first virtual career festival, which grabbed attention with its
11 insightful sessions run over seven days. Over 50 teams participated in the Hackathon
event and 15 submitted business proposals for the Elevator Pitch session.
This was also the year CIMA celebrated 55 years of existence in Sri Lanka. Whilst
the lockdowns and the pandemic did not allow us to celebrate this milestone physically,
we celebrated the success of our members via social media. The team also helped our
new members celebrate via a virtual region-wide Member Recognition event.
As an influential global membership body, CIMA, supported by the American Institute of
CPAs® and part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants®,
strives to represent members to those in positions of power. In November, we hosted an
exclusive discussion addressing the key areas of focus pertaining to the 2021 national
budget, featuring Hon. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, State Minister of Money and Capital Market
and State Enterprise Reforms.
Although COVID prevented some activities I would normally take part in person,
we ensured that I had the chance to meet members virtually through our Reimagine
Recovery Roadshows. During these I have been sharing my vision for how finance
professionals can come to the fore and reimagine our economic future so that it
benefits more people. I want us all to ask more questions about who is benefiting
from what we do and just as importantly, who is not. As more companies start using
integrated reporting to show the value they create, it will become increasingly obvious
who is building a sustainable business and who is not.
The COVID pandemic shone an uncomfortable light on the cracks in the way the world
does business, from shaky supply chains to employee rights — or lack thereof. During my
year as president, I’m encouraging us all to look at what we can do personally to rebuild
our economies to withstand unexpected shocks, with our focus on doing the most good
we can while continuing to thrive ourselves.
This will be vital in the coming months as we start moving beyond the pandemic into a more
prolonged phase of rebuilding and regrouping. The Association has the combined strength
and resources of its founding bodies to support members as they occupy pivotal roles in
providing the information and solutions to challenges faced by our future economies.
I am confident that together we will be a formidable force for good in the
post-COVID world.
Nick Jackson, FCMA, CGMA
President, CIMA
1
Welcome to the latest edition of Reflections!
There were many events and activities as 2020 began, with the visit of the CIMA President
2019—20 Amal Ratnayake, FCMA, CGMA. Since the onset of the lockdowns in March, our
team began to work from home. To date, we remotely assist our students, exam completes
and members and other stakeholders such as our corporate partners. I am grateful to my
colleagues who worked behind the scenes to organise CPDs to help you keep up with new
skills and take care of your mental well-being.
This year, the team worked creatively and collaborated with other professional bodies
and entities to bring the best for our students and members. In fact, this year we saw
opportunities amidst challenges! For example, our sell-out budget was done virtually,
and we added an exclusive event where members can interact with our state minister.
CIMA was recognised as one of the quickest organisations to adapt to the pandemic
in Sri Lanka.
To celebrate our 55th anniversary in Sri Lanka, we launched our very first virtual career
festival, which was well-received. Through the Association, we organised ‘Smarter
Leadership and Decision Making’ with the Business Leadership Institute USA as well
as a CGMA Business Recovery Toolkit event with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
We’ve also celebrated the diversity of our members by profiling them on the CIMA Sri
Lanka Facebook page and various collaborative platforms such as LMD and Chokolaate
Magazine. We hope to continue these initiatives in 2021, too.
Our members also achieved many significant milestones this year, which began with
Melanie Kanaka, FCMA, CGMA, becoming the CIMA vice president in June. Then Kasturi C.
Wilson, FCMA, CGMA, became the first female CEO of a Sri Lankan conglomerate. Most of
which our members also achieved promotions and appointments to influential positions
this year — most of which you can read within this edition or see on our CIMA Sri Lanka
Facebook page.
I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to our members who have contributed time and
effort to our activities. Most of our CPD events have been voluntarily supported by our
members, who made many of the activities a success, including the SME Expert Panel.
We are greatly thankful to all our registered tuition providers who sprang to action to help
our students move into virtual classes and then supported them with remote exams.
I would also like to thank Rifka Ziyard, chair of the Network Panel, panel members and
all members serving in the various subcommittees for their service to CIMA Sri Lanka.
We will continue to have exciting events, CPDs and training opportunities at local and
regional levels that will help you thrive in these extraordinary times. Feel free to reach
out to me or my team for any clarifications, and we hope you have a wonderful 2021!
Zahara Ansary, ACMA, CGMA
Country Manager, CIMA Sri Lanka
2 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
The year 2020 has been one of the most challenging years for most of us. CIMA’s pride
lies in the fact that, even in this challenging year, CIMA has successfully adapted to the
‘new normal’ and carried out initiatives contributing immensely to students, members,
the profession and the society. It is with great pleasure that I share my thoughts in the
second edition of Reflections.
The COVID-19 pandemic did dampen our planned events at the start of the year. However,
it also gave an opportunity to re-engergise and strategise, allowing us to persistently
overcome challenges. This year, CIMA unveiled an abundance of virtual events throughout
the year with local and international speakers for upskilling and reskilling of our members,
domestic and regional conferences, virtual career fairs, mentoring programmes for CIMA
students and exam completes, national budget events and many more. Even all operational
meetings for these activities were carried out virtually due to the limitations in mobility
post-pandemic. CIMA has celebrated its 55th year in Sri Lanka by portraying agility, digital
transformation, adaptability and resilience to stand tall in this challenging year.
CIMA students and members had the opportunity to meet the 87th CIMA president, Nick
Jackson, at the virtual roadshow especially held for Sri Lanka. The year 2020 is also
significant for all Sri Lankans as Melanie Kanaka was elected the CIMA vice president
and is the first woman outside the U.K. and Europe to be elected to a global position.
My sincere appreciation to members of the Country Network Panel, the members of the
CIMA subcommittees, Country Manager Zahara Ansary and the CIMA Sri Lanka office
staff for their efforts throughout the year to make 2020 yet another memorable year.
I sincerely believe that you would find this edition informative as we ponder the best
moments from 2020. I thank everyone who made this edition possible. As the current
members of the country network panel bids adieu at the end of 2020 after our three-year
term, we look forward as CIMA members to another exciting year where CIMA will continue
to deliver excellence.
Rifka Ziyard, FCMA, CGMA
Chair, CIMA Sri Lanka Network Panel (2020)
3
Contributing to
the global dialogue
As the country hosting the largest concentration of CIMA students and members, outside the U.K., we are extremely
proud to present Sri Lankan CIMA members who are contributing towards the development of the global accounting
profession by serving on the CIMA Council, the Board of the Association of International Certified Professional
Accountants and the Association’s Middle East, South Asia and North Africa (MESANA) Regional Advisory Panel.
Melanie J. Kanaka, FCMA, CGMA
CIMA Vice President
Head, Finance and Administration at World Bank (Sri Lanka and Maldives)
CIMA Global Council Member, CIMA Professional Standards Committee Chair,
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants Board Director
Immediate Past Chair, CIMA Professional Standards Committee
Fulbright Scholar and certified SAP consultant
Manohari Abeyesekera, FCMA, CGMA
Director, NSB
CIMA Network Panel Sri Lanka Past Chair
CIMA Global Member Engagement Committee Member
Mahesha Amarasuriya, FCMA, CGMA
Assistant General Manager, Card Services, Cargills Bank
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
MESANA Regional Advisory Panel Member
Damith Pallewatte, ACMA, CGMA
Deputy General Manager, Wholesale Banking Group
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
MESANA Regional Advisory Panel Member
4 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
5
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities in 2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our CPD activities were held virtually this year. Mental health Several free webcasts were conducted for members, students and professionals about the importance of mental health and well-being to help manage, cope and understand stress and anxiety during these trying times. How to Positively Manage Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19 March 31 Speaker: Dr. Shanelle De Almeida Group Wellness Manager — Hemas Holdings PLC and Licensed Clinical Psychologist Mindfulness in Times of COVID-19 April 3 Speaker: Dilmi Weerasinghe Founder of Serenity Counseling and Psychosocial Support Centre, counsellor and psychotherapist Take Care of Your Well-Being June 2 Speakers: Rozaine Cooray Organizational Psychologist, Forte Consultancy Dr. Kayathri Periasamy Consultant Physician, Healthy Life Clinic 6 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
Understanding the ‘ABCDE’ of finance Joint events
We conducted a webcast, ‘ABCDE — Artificial Intelligence, We conducted many programmes this year in partnership
Blockchain, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Ethics’, to with other reputed institutes:
highlight the importance and the changes brought about
With The Management Club of Colombo, we conducted
by these trends to the business world. The webcast was
a free webcast, ‘Management Skills and Resilience for
conducted over three days, commencing with ‘Artificial
Today’s Business World’, to discuss implications and
Intelligence and Blockchain’ on July 15, ‘Cybersecurity
solutions for marketing, human resource and finance
and Data Analytics’ on July 16 and ‘Ethics’ on July 17.
aspects of a business.
The eminent panel of speakers included:
With PwC Sri Lanka, we conducted ‘Digital Upskilling:
Dr. Sankha Muthu Poruthotage Preparing You for the Future’, where we featured a
Founder/CEO, Linear Squared Pvt Ltd. panel of corporate and academic experts to discuss
(Artificial Intelligence) how upskilling is critical in today’s world.
Dr. Srinath Perera With the Continuous Professional Development
Vice President, Research, WSO2 Inc. (Blockchain) Committee of the Association of Professional
Bankers (APB), The Finance Houses Association
Asela Waidyalankara (FHA) and CA Sri Lanka, we organised an event titled
Information Security and Cyber Consultant and ‘Wondering How the Debt Moratorium Affects You?’
Country Director — Sri Lanka, Comsec (Cybersecurity) where the effects of IFRS 9 for Sri Lankan banking
and finance professionals were discussed.
Chathuranga Abeysinghe ACMA, CGMA
Lead Data Evangelist ‘Thinking Out of the Box: Reinvent and Digitalize’ was
MAS Holdings (Data Analytics) the fourth session in the Professional Accountancy
Organizations (PAO) Seminar Series, where CIMA along
Melanie J. Kanaka, FCMA, CGMA
with AAT, ACCA, CA and CMA Sri Lanka discussed how
Head, Finance and Administration at World Bank
individuals and businesses can be agile and make the
(Sri Lanka and Maldives); CIMA Vice President,
best use of technology, both during and after the crisis.
CIMA Appointments Committee Member,
Association of International Certified Professional With the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, we conducted
Accountants Board Member ‘Plan Your Post-COVID Business Roadmap (BRT)’,
where a panel of experts discussed brand new
Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, FCMA, CGMA strategies to recover and grow businesses post-crisis.
Director, Corporate Affairs, Securities & Exchange
Commission of Sri Lanka (Ethics) With the Colombo Stock Exchange, we held a webcast
titled ‘Get the Best Out of the Stock Market’, which was
the first in a series of initiatives as part of a MoU signed
earlier this year.
7
Gig work, gamification and social media Digital taxation: Tax challenges of digitalisation
Traditional 9-to-5 working hour models are gradually With the EU introducing the Digital Services Tax, it’s only
becoming obsolete as technology allows people to a matter of time before it will be adopted in the Asia
perform their roles efficiently and effectively even while Pacific. We conducted a timely CPD on digital taxation
working remotely. We held a free Zoom session on and its challenges.
‘Agile Work Ways and the Gig Economy’, where the
Our keynote speaker was Wong Hsin Yee, Partner
speakers discussed the risks and opportunities of
of International Tax and Transaction Services at EY
gig work during this time of crisis.
Singapore. She gave us an overview of digital taxation,
Supun Jayasinghe, ACMA, CGMA, Head of Business emerging tax trends, and the tax challenges companies
— Gaming at Arimac Digital, shared insights on how we face since the launch of the 2013 BEPS Action Plan. She
can use gamification to encourage customer loyalty and also illustrated how some countries such as France have
stand out from the competition at a CPD event titled introduced digital services taxation, as well as Singapore,
‘Gamification: Your Business’s Next Money Maker.’ which have adopted the Overseas Vendor Registration
Regime (a GST regime) instead of the DST. She concluded
A free session titled, ‘Monetising Your Social Media
her presentation with some best practices and action
Presence: Are You Using It the Right Way?’ was held to
items that companies can use.
discuss the ways/how to effectively monetise your social
media presence, what some of the best practices are, To bring a local perspective to the discussion, a panel of
how they are applicable during these times and how to experts from various industries in the country gave their
make the most of them. opinion and deliberated on the DST and how it would
affect their area of expertise. They included:
Zulfer Jiffry
CEO, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Prasath Nanayakkara
Chairman and CEO, Million Spaces (Pvt) Ltd.
Jayantha De Silva
Chairman, Information and Communication
Technology Agency (ICTA)
S.W. Pradeep Yasantha Silva
Member of Sri Lanka Institute of Taxation,
Commissioner — Large Tax Payer Services Unit
Department of Inland Revenue
Sulaiman Nishtar (moderator)
Partner — Tax, Ernst & Young Sri Lanka
8 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaOther CPD events Workshops
Jan. 28, 2020 Feb. 17–March 30, 2020
Advanced Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis Speechcraft
March 11, 2020 Sept. 2–3, 2020
CIMA Directors’ Tax Forum 2020 Finance for Non-finance Professionals
Aug. 26, 2020 Sept. 26–Nov. 28, 2020
Leadership & Smart Decision Making (BLI) Course on Taxation
Dec. 2, 2020 Oct. 17–Nov. 14, 2020
Power BI Managing Finance in a Digital World
Dec. 11, 2020 Nov. 24–26, 2020
Making Money During the Pandemic SLFRS/IFRS Certification
Complimentary CPD events
April 9, 2020
Financial Management in Times of Crisis
May 13, 2020
APAC CPD — Post-COVID: Crucial Skills for
Business & Finance Professionals
9Strategic collaborations
and flagship events
CIMA and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce The panel included:
set up expert panel to help SMEs thrive Ravi Abeysuriya, Group Director – Candor Group
Small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) play a Mahesh Amarasiri, General Manager Corporate Planning
crucial role in furthering growth, innovation and prosperity and Business Development, DSI Samsons Group
in the economy of Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, many of them Malinga Arsakularatne, Co-owner/CEO, Acorn Group
face challenges in accessing the necessary capital to
grow and expand, as well as the expertise and knowledge Sanath Fernando, Partner, Ernst and Young
that will help them weather the stormy water brought in Lalith Fonseka, Consultant and (Former) Joint
by the pandemic. Managing Director, Mackwoods Ltd.
To help SMEs, we joined forces with the Ceylon Chamber Natasha Fonseka, Group Director – Human Capital and
of Commerce to create a platform to bridge the gap, Taxation, Softlogic Holdings PLC
by bringing in our expertise to assist Sri Lankan SMEs.
Dian Gomes, Independent Non-Executive Director,
CIMA members are versatile and have wide experience in
Nestle Lanka PLC
transforming businesses. This initiative brought together
CIMA members who volunteered brief one-on-one sessions Lakshmi Jayasinghe, Group Director, The Capital
to assist SME owners during these challenging times. Maharaja Organization Limited
Shantha Kurumbalapitiya, Managing Director,
Several areas of expertise were offered:
Serendib Leisure
Financial review — liquidity/cash flow
Hasitha Premaratne, Group Finance Director,
New business opportunities and diversification Brandix Group
Resourcefulness (repurposing of resources, new Gavin D’ Rosairo, Chief Financial Officer/Director
opportunities to utilise spare/excess capacity) of Finance, AIA Sri Lanka
Leadership capability Nishtar Sulaiman, Partner, Ernst and Young
New marketing trends using digitalisation Riyaz Sangani, CEO, Vidullanka PLC
Human capital and governance Manohara S. Tillakawardana, Management Consultant,
Managing risks and uncertainties Vanquisher Consulting
Our panel of CIMA members also helped SME owners Shaan Wickremasinghe, Management and Marketing
use the tools in the CIMA Business Recovery Toolkit and Consultant, formerly Unilever, MAS Holdings, Fonterra,
related resources such as the CGMA Horizon Scanner, Nations Trust and Atlas Axillia
CIMA Strategic Scorecard and the CGMA Business Kavinda de Zoysa, Director/Head of Corporate
Model Framework. and Investment Banking, Citibank N.A., Sri Lanka
10 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaCIMA-ICCSL-Daily FT Most Admired The top ten companies in alphabetical order are:
Company Awards 2020 Bank of Ceylon
For the third consecutive year, we partnered with the Cargills Ceylon PLC
International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) CBL Investments Limited (CBL Group)
and the Daily FT to launch Sri Lanka’s Most Admired
Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
Companies Awards 2020.
Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC
Recognised as being the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka,
these awards are for companies that are a cut above Hatton National Bank PLC
the rest in terms of not just their financial performance LOLC Holdings PLC
but also the value they create sustainably and ethically
NDB Bank PLC
for their employees, customers, investors, and the
community. Peoples Bank
The panel of judges for the awards are esteemed and Sri Lanka Telecom PLC
well-established professionals in Sri Lanka and is chaired
by Ravi Abeysuriya, FCMA, MBA, CGMA, Director/CEO, The five honourable mentions in alphabetical order are:
Candor Group. Other esteemed judges included: Aitken Spence PLC
Rajeev Amarasuriya, FCMA, CGMA Ceylinco Life Insurance Ltd.
Attorney-at-Law, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH)
Varuni Amunugama Fernando Sampath Bank PLC
Co-founder and Joint Managing Director, Triad Ltd.
Sunshine Holdings PLC
Dr. Harsha Cabral
President’s Counsel
Sunil Dissanayake
Brand Ambassadors Club
Director/Chief Executive, BMICH As part of the most influential body of professional
Malith Gunasekara accountants worldwide, and one that helps people and
Independent Information Communication businesses succeed, we embarked on an initiative to build
Technology and Digital Financial Services Consultant, stronger ties with our partner/top employer organisations
e-Health and FinTech Advisor and our members who work within such organisations.
Santosh Menon CIMA Sri Lanka launched the CGMA Brand Ambassador
Chairman/CEO, KL.LK Club (BAC), which consists of CIMA members who would
represent your organisation at our Focus Group sessions
Dr. Sulochana Sigera
and also disseminate information from CIMA within an
Chairperson, Women in Management (WIM)
organisation to the CIMA community. The BAC currently
Deepal Sooriyaarachchi consists of nominees of CIMA corporate partners
Management Consultant and top employers. If you’re a CIMA member at the
mid-management level, you’ll be the best person to
serve as our main contact within your organisation.
11CIMA Sri Lanka ‘Hundred and 10%’ career festival We went above and beyond with CIMA’s first virtual career festival, which covered 11 insightful sessions over seven days and hosted more than 45 business leaders, industry experts and thought leaders. Day 1 — technical skills Our speakers delved into the importance of data and numerical analysis along with what it takes to excel technically today. Along with an introduction into and an overview of the festival, Day 1 also featured the below sessions: Going Above and Beyond: A session on pushing your limits and striving to upgrade your technical skills to succeed in your industry. Power of Numbers: A panel discussion on the importance of being able to analyse data and make sense of numbers in today’s professional environment. 12 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
Day 2 — people skills
Our speakers were immersed in engaging question and answer sessions that included
discussions on the importance of leadership, collaborations and partnerships.
The day’s itinerary included the sessions below:
Swimming With the Big Fish: A live Q&A on how essential leadership, people skills
and partnerships help companies to stay competitive in their industries.
Hackathon: A 24-hour hackathon featuring teams of up to five members,
competing to pitch the winning solution to an unfinished business problem.
Creating a Winning Impression: A session on entrepreneurship and conducting
yourself in business situations to create winning impressions and build strong
professional relationships.
13Day 3 — leadership skills Day 4 — business skills
The itinerary for the day involved our speakers engaging The itinerary for the day was conducted under
in discussions on two different sessions: the below sessions:
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A Q&A session with Guardians of the Money: A panel discussion on the
leading female business personalities on strengthening role of digitalisation in the future of finance and the
workplace diversity and the importance of creating a importance of new technology adoption.
level playing field for women.
Starting Something Big: A panel discussion on
Succeeding Through Collaborations: A panel dreaming big, persistence and the challenges in
discussion on managing change, driving performance growing a brand or business.
and building successful partnerships within the
organisation and outside it.
14 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaDay 5 — elevator pitch Day 6 — diversity
The two highlighted segments for the day was the The sessions for the day were as follows:
elevator pitch as well as a panel discussion on becoming
Creating Magic: A panel discussion focusing on
entrepreneurial and developing the right mindset to
talent and skills diversity, and the benefits of having
succeed as an entrepreneur.
multi-sector exposure in today’s world.
The elevator pitch was a competition for budding
Employability in the New World: A panel discussion
entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and have
on the need for diverse skill sets in organisations and
them reviewed by eminent business leaders.
identifying the right qualifications to succeed in the
digital world.
15Day 7 — digital skills The itinerary for the day included three intriguing sessions: Embracing Opportunities and Riding High: A panel discussion on leveraging digital channels and social media to launch and grow businesses at a faster pace. Digital Innovation: A session on innovation, disruption and mastering digital skills to add more value to businesses. Tomorrow’s Skills: A panel discussion on the challenges that future workforces will face, and the importance of being strategic about gaining new skills. 16 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
CIMA and SLICM sign MoU introducing
entry pathways for members
We entered into a collaborative agreement with the This collaborative webcast organised by CIMA and SLICM
Sri Lanka Institute of Credit Management (SLICM) discussed managing credit risk in current conditions.
to provide students and members an opportunity to The webcast featured industry experts, such as:
obtain exemptions from each other’s qualifications.
Aby Eapen
We intend to collaborate on a national and international Director Financial Services Advisory
level to create unprecedented value for members across Deloitte India
different industries by hosting development courses,
Jithendra Gunatilake, FCMA, CGMA
programmes, workshops, seminars and related activities.
Head of Compliance
We will also work together on strategic initiatives to
LOLC Finance PLC
support member career development.
Shiranthi Gunawardene
Managing credit risk during a pandemic:
Attorney-at-Law
a CIMA-SLICM webcast
Brandon Morris
The volatile nature of the global economy has made
Group Managing Director
it important for financial institutions to have robust
Associated Motorways Private Limited
credit risk management strategies in place. COVID-19
has brought in further challenges to these existing Damith Pallewatte, ACMA, CGMA
risk management frameworks due to the sudden halt Deputy General Manager
in supply chains and economic activities affecting Wholesale Banking Group & Hatton National Bank PLC
borrowers’ capacity to meet their debt obligations.
Krishan Thilakaratne
Legislative interventions via stimulus packages and Director/CEO
guidance on providing borrower relief have added to the Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC
strain. These have led financial institutions and other
organisations to review and focus on their risk functions.
17Subcommittee activities
Member Development Subcommittee 2020
This committee planned out a series of webcasts to Ruwan Munasinghe, ACMA, CGMA
address technical knowledge gaps and help members
Nimalka Perera, ACMA, CGMA
and all business leaders to manage the impacts of the
pandemic better. Shaneil Perera, ACMA, CGMA
Members of the Subcommittee: Dulani Samarajeewa, ACMA, CGMA
Praveeni Jayasekera (Chair), ACMA, CGMA Amila Tennakoon, ACMA, CGMA
Sunela Samaranayake (Co-chair), ACMA, CGMA Rajindra Uswatte, ACMA, CGMA
Irunika Abeysinghe, ACMA, CGMA Archana Vekneswaran, ACMA, CGMA
Rajiv Dias, ACMA, CGMA
Chalitha Dissanayake, ACMA, CGMA
Akila Gunarathne, ACMA, CGMA
Karthiga Kathirgamanathan, ACMA, CGMA
18 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaWebcasts
The committee successfully organised three well-attended webcasts over Zoom:
Topic Speakers Date Moderator
Recent Tax Reforms Suresh R I Perera May 4, 2020 Praveeni Jayasekera
Principal Tax and Regulatory
KPMG
Rifka Ziyard
Director Tax and Regulatory
KPMG
Riding the Storm Tony Ong May 15, 2020 Sunela Samaranayake
CEO, Xtrategize Malaysia
Boonsiri Somchit
COO, Xtrategize Malaysia
Impairment of Assets Sanjeewa Anthony June 16, 2020 Akila Gunarathna
and Events After the Executive Director, Jetwing Hotels
Reporting Date
Hiranthi Fonseka
Partner, Ernst and Young
Chandrika Perera
Group CFO, Abans Group
Rohana Wijebandara
Group Financial Controller,
Dialog Axiata PLC
19Publications CXO forum
The committee carried out research locally on areas The Stakeholder Relations Subcommittee organised
of interest and (with advice from CIMA) decided to focus on the CXO Forum on the theme of ‘Visionaries: Building
the subject of ‘Forecasting in Turbulent Times’. It devoted Sustainable Business for Sri Lanka’s Future’ on July 24,
specific attention to cash flow forecasting and managing 2020. This was the first virtual CXO forum conducted by
stakeholders, which were of utmost interest to the people CIMA Sri Lanka.
the committee spoke to before finalising the topic.
Building resilient businesses has always been amongst
The publication focuses on techniques of zero-based the top three priorities of any nation. Today’s pandemic-
budgeting, rolling budgets and moving beyond budgeting. impacted environment has imposed significant threats
It then takes the reader through practical and innovative on traditional business models and the respective
ways of handling cash flows during difficult times. economies, which has led companies to focus more on
One section dwelt on the importance of sensitivity assessing the measures businesses can take to survive
analysis and its practical uses and the final technical and sustain in the new normal.
chapter discusses how stakeholders such as shareholders
The well-rounded panel was composed of:
and banks could be managed.
Lin Gon-Deutschmann, Co-founder,
The publication also features interviews with Senaka Artificial Intelligence Academy (AIA)
Kekiriwaragodage, FCMA, GCMA, the CEO of NDB Capital
Chanakya Dissanayake, FCMA, CGMA, Senior
Holdings, and Jehan Jayasuriya, ACMA, CGMA, business
Director/Country Head for Sri Lanka and Global Head
director of MAS Intimates, for a discussion of their
of Investment Research, Acuity Knowledge Partners
approaches to running business during the pandemic and
share their thoughts on potholes to avoid. ‘Forecasting in Shiran Fernando, FCMA, CGMA (Moderator),
Troubled Times’ will be published soon and will be available Chief Economist, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
through the CIMA Sri Lanka Facebook page/CIMA website. Prakash Iyer, Motivational Speaker and Leadership
Coach; Former MD, Kimberly-Clark Lever;
Bestselling Author
Stakeholder Relations Subcommittee 2020
Dileep Mudadeniya, Head of Brand Marketing of
Members of the Subcommittee: Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts; CEO and Vice President
Rajeev Aloysius (Chair), FCMA, CGMA of John Keells Group’s Cinnamon Life Mall
Rasika Galappathy (Co-chair), FCMA, CGMA The panelists’ insights on building resilient businesses
F.X. Ranjit Pereira (Adviser), FCMA, CGMA were tailor-made to address the current crisis-hit
Chamathka Fonseka, ACMA, CGMA corporate environment of the country. The futuristic
Chamil Hathurusinghe, ACMA, CGMA discussion focused on the ideal leadership attributes
fit for these times, the essence of digital transformation,
Saranga Kalugalage, ACMA, CGMA
operationalising excellence in a crisis-hit macro
Nafaz Ahamed Nilam, ACMA, CGMA environment and Sri Lanka’s way forward post
Shanel Perera, ACMA, CGMA COVID-19, especially in tourism.
Vikraine M. Senadheera, ACMA, CGMA
Amongst the speakers, the echoing remark was the
Upul Thennakoon, ACMA, CGMA importance of continuously redefining corporate vision
Nivran Joseph Weerakoon, FCMA, CGMA (and for professionals to keep redefining themselves to
Devni Wickramasinghe, ACMA, CGMA suit the changing business dynamics). They also talked
Viveknath Wijayakumar, ACMA, CGMA about harnessing technology through digitalisation as the
crisis inevitably provides opportunities for the players who
C A D William, FCMA, CGMA
would leap ahead of the pack fast.
20 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaStudent Development Subcommittee 2020 The mentoring sessions covered a range of relevant
areas including career guidance, people management
Members of the Subcommittee: and stress management. The mentors engaged in the
Prashani Illangasekera (Chair), ACMA, CGMA programme were:
Mafaz Ansar, ACMA, CGMA Manohari Abeyesekera
Director, National Savings Bank
Krishantha Atukorala, FCMA, CGMA
Niroshan Jayasuriya
Malshan Cooray, ACMA, CGMA Senior General Manager — Corporate Finance
Shaazry Hussain, ACMA, CGMA Brandix
Haroon Mowjood, ACMA, CGMA Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya
Chief Human Resources Officer,
Sarala Nirmani, ACMA, CGMA Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC
Dilini Bhagya Pathirana, ACMA, CGMA Rajitha Kurupumulle
Shanaka Rabel, ACMA, CGMA Chief Operating Officer
BoardPac
Madurika Samarasekera, ACMA, CGMA
Kamaya Perera
F H Sheriff, ACMA, CGMA Partner, KPMG
Sanjaya Wijesekare, ACMA, CGMA Shanaka Rabel
Kavitha Yogarajah, ACMA, CGMA Chief Information Officer
Stretchline Holdings
Ranil De Saram
Leadership Engagement for Aspiring Partner (Advisory and Risk Services),
Professionals (L.E.A.P.) Ernst and Young
Mohan Wijebandara
The Student Development Subcommittee successfully
Finance Controller, Fonterra
concluded L.E.A.P. (Leadership Engagement for Aspiring
Professionals), a mentoring programme for strategic level Lakmini Wijesundara
and exam-complete students. Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer,
BoardPAC and IronOne Technologies
Now in its second year, the initiative was part of the
committee’s drive towards enhancing student capabilities Given the pandemic, these mentoring sessions were held
and ensuring workforce readiness while providing access virtually. The programme was extremely well-received
to professional networking. Through this programme, 40 by the mentees who immensely valued the insights they
selected mentees connected with nine corporate leaders, received from the mentors.
industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs,
complementing their technical learning with the practical
experience and insights of the mentors.
21Student recruitment activities
The CIMA business development team undertook several Aroshi Nanayakara, ACMA, CGMA
impactful recruitment activities during the year, and Chief Executive Officer, Global Consulting Company
organised seminars and career guidance programs in
Hasitha Premrathne, FCMA, CGMA
partnership with the education department of Sri Lanka.
Group Finance Director, Brandix Group
By transforming our recruitment activities during a global
Shanaka Rabel, ACMA, CGMA
pandemic, we were able to organise and successfully
Global Chief Information Officer
conduct some key webcasts as well as hold virtual
Stretchline Holdings Ltd.
commentary sessions through social media channels
with leading business and leadership personalities in Venkkat Ramanan, FCMA, CGMA
Sri Lanka today. Regional Vice President — Asia Pacific, the Association
of International Certified Professional Accountants
CIMA Game-Changers Nilanthi Sivapragasam, FCMA, CGMA
(in partnership with Chokolaatemag) Group Chief Financial Officer, Aitken Spence PLC
This aptly named webcasts featured industry game-changers Dinesh Weerakkody, FCMA, CGMA
who also happen to be CIMA-qualified professionals that Chairman, Hatton National Bank;
have shaped their respective industries in Sri Lanka. Chairman, ICC Sri Lanka
The virtual chat sessions that were held each week featured
Kasturi Wilson, FCMA, CGMA
key business personalities discussing valuable and insightful
Chief Executive Officer, Hemas Holdings PLC
content for students in business and finance:
Thushan Amarasuriya, FCMA, CGMA
Chief Executive officer, Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC
Jayanthi Dharmasena, FCMA, CGMA
Managing Director
Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited
Indresh Fernando, FCMA, CGMA
Chief Process Officer, Asiri Hospital Holdings PLC
Suren Fernando, FCMA, CGMA
Chief Executive Officer, MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.
Dian Gomes, FCMA, CGMA
Honorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka
Dinuk Hettiarachchi, FCMA, CGMA
Managing Partner of Nihal Hettiarachchi & Company
22 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka23
Student today, business leader tomorrow In this webcast, our distinguished panellists related some colourful stories from their careers and life experiences. The panel consisted of CIMA members and key influencers whose children were also CIMA students or members. This gave young professionals and students a great opportunity to learn from the life stories of individuals who have gone on to achieve excellence. These were our panellists: Professor Sampath Amaratunge Chairman, University Grants Commission Sri Lanka Zahara Ansary, ACMA, CGMA Country Manager, CIMA Sri Lanka Jayanthi Dharmasena, FCMA, CGMA Managing Director, Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ravi Edirisinghe, FCMA, CGMA Director/CEO, GAC Group Sri Lanka Deshabandu Roshan Mahanama Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain and ICC Elite Panel Match Referee Venkkat Ramanan, FCMA, CGMA Regional Vice President — Asia Pacific, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants 24 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
What’s next after AAT?
This webcast was organised for AAT-qualified students
on how to become a CGMA designation holder with the
CIMA qualification. The event featured prominent CIMA
members with the discussion theme revolving around
career opportunities in business and finance:
Manohari Abeyesekera, FCMA, CGMA
Director, National Savings Bank
Thushan Amarasuriya, FCMA, CGMA
Chief Executive Officer
Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC
Zahara Ansary, ACMA, CGMA
Country Manager, CIMA Sri Lanka
Chamila Cooray, FCMA, CGMA
Vice President/General Manager
— Operations, WNS Global Services
Tharindu Wijewardana, ACMA, CGMA
Manager, Stakeholder Engagement
Pathways and Relationships
CIMA Sri Lanka
25Choose success after A/Ls
This webcast, which was a collaboration with Wijeya Venkkat Ramanan FCMA, CGMA
Media, focused on developing new leaders for a changing Regional Vice President — Asia Pacific
world and gave Advanced Level students in Sri Lanka Association of International Certified
advice and guidance on how to choose the right path to Professional Accountants
success during these uncertain times. Our prominent
Professor Sampath Amaratunge
panellists gave valuable advice and articulated industry
Chairman, University Grants Commission Sri Lanka
insights that they have gathered through years of
experience and hard work: Supun Weerasinghe, FCMA, CGMA
Group Director/Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC
Ravi Edirisinghe, FCMA, CGMA
Director/CEO, GAC Group Sri Lanka Kasturi Wilson, FCMA, CGMA
Chief Executive Officer, Hemas Holdings PLC
Indika Liyanahewage, FCMA, CGMA
Chief Executive Officer, Eskimo Fashion Knitwear
26 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaInteractive virtual soft-skills building
sessions for school students
At CIMA, we take it as our responsibility to help Corporate etiquette and grooming
develop well-equipped professionals and business
CIMA believes in developing well-rounded business
leaders. We have extended our duties beyond the scope
leaders and we partnered with prominent government
of our students and members to the whole country
and private universities in Sri Lanka to deliver a virtual
and especially to the next generation. Here are some
corporate etiquette and grooming programme to their
programmes that we organised to motivating and
students. We were able to talk about essential soft skills
developing soft skills of the youth of Sri Lanka:
such as preparing for an interview, phone etiquette,
grooming and hygiene.
‘Reaching Excellence’
‘Reaching Excellence’ was a motivational session
Career guidance sessions
organised by CIMA for students who were planning to
take their Advance Level exams in 2020. The session Even during this challenging period, we were able to
was conducted by Prasanna Rodrigo, the media manager conduct a few career guidance programmes. The virtual
of Sri Lanka Cricket. This virtual session, which was programmes ‘Student Today, Business Leader Tomorrow’
attended by over 400 students, parents and teachers, was and ‘Choose Success After A/Ls — Higher Education
organised during the lockdown period as we recognised During Uncertain Times’ were the most popular sessions
the need for motivation for the students during these and were open to all youth of Sri Lanka to help them
uncertain times. take the next step after finishing school. The sessions
were well-attended by parents, too. In addition to these
sessions, we’ve also hosted a few more physical sessions
‘The Mission of Future Leaders in “New Normal”’ before the lockdown.
We organised this virtual session with the prefects of
Ave Maria Convent, Negombo. Traditionally, schools hold
their annual prefects’ day as a physical event. During the
pandemic, CIMA was able to assist and enable an online
prefects’ day with a prominent speaker. The event had a
participation of over 600 school prefects and teachers
joining virtually to celebrate leadership and motivate
the youth of Sri Lanka in achieving more amidst the
challenges that they face.
27Student development
and progression activities
The CIMA Sri Lanka progression team is at the forefront We launched a rapid revision course for students to
attending to all student-related queries that include study refresh their theory and prepare for their Certificate in
support, verification documents, advising the exam Business Accounting (CertBA) exams in June and July.
candidates and coordinating the student progression We are happy to note that our tuition partners helped
of over 10,000 registered active students in the country. develop the revision programmes and offered them for
free to students.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the team’s top priority
was to make sure students and members had a direct We also launched our #StudentHero campaign to
channel to the staff even though the whole team was recognise all CertBA exam complete students who
operating from home since March 2020. attempted and completed their CertBA exams amidst a
global pandemic and gave due recognition to the parents
We adapted quickly with the introduction of remote
and tuition partners who were behind their success.
testing where students could take exams and coordinated
In total, around 160 students completed their CertBA
with lecturers and tuition partners in developing a delivery
exams between January and to August 2020.
method that suited student requirements. Exams were
very briefly paused in April but were back on track from
May onwards, with almost half of the exams delivered
since then completed through the remote route.
We introduced the following online sessions together with
our tuition partners that were very well-attended by students
taking case study exams in May, August and November:
1. Web-based sector expert sessions jointly organised
in partnership with Acuity Knowledge Partners:
2. Case study exam support revision sessions
3. Case study exam techniques and student
guidance programme
4. Mock exams and case study familiarisation support
28 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaFocusing on OT exams at the professional level, Re-registration offer for lapsed students who
we conducted a revision programme in association wished to reactivate by only paying for the 2021
with a local tuition partner in July and August. student subscription fee
We had over 400 registrations and the sessions
Discounted revision and mock exam facilities
were well-received by the students.
via online portals
In addition to the listed activities above, the team
The team has been matching students with the resources
has been connecting with both active and lapsed
required to complete the assessments and progress with
students from March to introduce special
the CIMA professional qualification. We are also planning
arrangements which included:
a part-qualification and exam complete recognition
Free exam re-sit offers, which were introduced event for January 2021 to recognise all the hard work
from June to July and then reintroduced from students have put in for the CIMA Certificate in Business
October to December Accounting, CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting,
CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting
Free revision courses
and achieving exam complete status.
29Member services 2020 We held our 2020 graduation ceremony in January to celebrate 210 exam complete students, 231 ACMA designation holders and 11 FCMA designation holders. This event was graced by Amal Ratnayake, CIMA President 2019–2020. 30 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
31
We also conducted virtual membership assessments via Zoom. We successfully conducted five virtual assessment sessions that converted 300 exam complete students to become CIMA members. Alongside this, we held five virtual workshops with local and overseas assessors to introduce membership requirements and assessment criteria to exam complete students and students who were yet to sit for their Strategic Case Study. Additional workshops called ‘Finer Points on Your Application’ were conducted to support students in filling out their applications before submission. During the year, several newly elected members were profiled where they spoke about their experience in facing the virtual assessments and the experience they gained as CIMA members to encourage exam complete students to apply for membership. 32 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
Welcome, new FCMA designation holders! Joseph Thomas Priyanke Perera, FCMA, CGMA
CIMA Sri Lanka conducted many fellowship application Udugampolage Lasantha Jayatissa
workshops to support our valued senior and C-suite Perera, FCMA, CGMA
members in obtaining memberships. Yohani Frances Natasha Perera, FCMA, CGMA
This year, we welcomed the following members: Nishani Ariyawansa Pieris, FCMA, CGMA
Aloka Abeysekera, FCMA, CGMA Wajira Punchihewa, FCMA, CGMA
Rasika Akuretiyagama, FCMA, CGMA Surangi Nadeeka Rajapaksha, FCMA, CGMA
Thushan Ayendra Amarasuriya, FCMA, CGMA Ruwan Ranaweera, FCMA, CGMA
Dalawella Gurukandage Chathuranga Michael Siva, FCMA, CGMA
Amarasuriya, FCMA, CGMA
Tuan Sallay, FCMA, CGMA
Joseph Gihan Adisha Cooray, FCMA, CGMA
Parameshwaran Thuraichelvan, FCMA, CGMA
Gallage Kusal De Silva, FCMA, CGMA
Sathira Weerakoon, FCMA, CGMA
Hikkaduwa Liyanage Sonal Vibeesh
De Silva, FCMA, CGMA Chandana Sampath Wickramarachchi, FCMA, CGMA
Dominique Gavin D’Rosairo, FCMA, CGMA Nilushi Shanthamala Wijesiri, FCMA, CGMA
Devika Dhanapala, FCMA, CGMA Prasadi Wijayasinghe, FCMA, CGMA
Priyadharshana Ekanayake, FCMA, CGMA
Nilesha Fernando, FCMA, CGMA
Member Mentoring Programme
Mohamed Mureez Mohamed Fareez, FCMA, CGMA
The COVID-19 crisis has caused difficult times for our
Gardihewa Fonseka, FCMA, CGMA students and members, and to help we are initiating
Rasitha Poojitha Gunawardana, FCMA, CGMA a mentoring programme for our young members.
Andree Rodrigo, FCMA, CGMA Through the programme, we hope to provide a platform
for young members to develop themselves and to excel
Chaminda Prabhath, FCMA, CGMA
in their careers, through learning from established CIMA
Dinal G.M. Samaranayake, FCMA, CGMA members and business leaders. The programme was
Gayan Gunawardane, FCMA, CGMA launched in June 2020 and involved six group meetings
with a business leader over six months. The mentor will
Prasanna Jayasekera, FCMA, CGMA
present their perspective of leadership using examples
Wanni Kumara, FCMA, CGMA from their career and real-life situations.
Thusitha Kumara, FCMA, CGMA We anticipate that the relationships and networks that get
Nalin Karunaratne, FCMA, CGMA established between the mentor and the mentee as well
as between the mentees themselves will be an additional
Indika Liyanahewage, FCMA, CGMA benefit of this programme.
Roshan Liyanage, FCMA, CGMA
Karen Yolande Nagahawatte, FCMA, CGMA
Mohamed Fazli Abdul Nayeem, FCMA, CGMA
Rumman Nalir, FCMA, CGMA
Yudara Savini Pandikorala, FCMA, CGMA
33Member recognitions
Congratulations Linus Jeganathan, ACMA, CGMA,
on being appointed as Managing Director of
Technomedics International Pvt Ltd.
Congratulations Indika Liyanahewage on being appointed
as CEO, Eskimo Fashion Knitwear (Private) Limited.
Congratulations Anusha Mohotti, FCMA, CGMA, on being
appointed as Director General of Sri Lanka Accounting
and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board.
Congratulations Rushanka Silva on being appointed
as Deputy Chairman, Sampath Bank PLC.
Congratulations Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne on being
appointed as Executive Director — Hemas Holdings PLC.
34 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaPathway promotional activities
Coffee evenings with C-suite leaders ‘Dine With C-suites’
A series of virtual coffee sessions were held where ‘Dine With C-suites’ was an exclusive evening event
CIMA case study lecturer Channa Gunewardana, FCMA, held at Shangri-La, Colombo.
CGMA, and a panel of C-suite graduates answered all
The event began with a brief introduction to the CIMA
types of questions about the C-Suite Business & Finance
C-Suite Business and Finance programme at Shangri-La
programme. This session gave the participants a great
Hotel’s very own co-working space Co-nnect, followed by
opportunity to chat and network with their peers too.
a lavish dinner at Shangri-La’s latest restaurant, Central.
CIMA skills for 2021 C-Suite workshop series
At the event, participants connected with Strategic Case
(with certification)
Study lecturer Channa Gunawardana, FCMA, CGMA,
This workshop was aimed to enhance skill sets and CIMA members who are alumni of the C-Suite
in leadership, people and business with learning programme, who shared their experiences on their
outcomes such as: journey and clarified grey areas regarding the pathway.
1. Sharpening critical skills and skill sets,
including leadership and the latest digital skills
2. Discussions with practical case study scenarios
helping you to perform better in business and
working life
3. Gaining tools to become a strategic business
partner with good decision-making skills to
create value for your company
4. Sharpening your skills and providing relevant insights
for your organisation to stay future-focused
5. Unique opportunity to network with senior C-level
leaders across Sri Lanka
6. Simulation assessment leading to a certification
35Offers for our students Due to the global pandemic and economic hardships many face, we offered a registration fee waiver for all Sri Lankan students embarking on CIMA studies, which saved them 55,000 Sri Lankan rupees. Here are six ways a CIMA professional qualification gives you a boost: Increases your earning potential: CIMA-qualified students earn LKR220,000 (on average) each month Gets you noticed by top employers: Our Top Employer and Corporate Partner Builds networks to give you plenty of options when you’re looking for jobs Enhances your employability. The CIMA syllabus teaches you technical, leadership, finance, management and digital skills, as well as a strong core of ethics and professional conduct — all traits that employers seek Expands your career horizons. The CGMA designation you’ll get when you complete the CIMA qualification is recognised worldwide, opening opportunities for you that go beyond borders Secures your professional future. The CIMA syllabus is updated with the latest skills and competencies today’s marketplace needs, which helps you stay relevant even during uncertain times 36 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri Lanka
CIMA Sri Lanka Toastmasters
Club (TMC) Update
‘Empowered to Go Beyond’ was the 2019—20 theme of The CIMA Toastmasters Club was founded in 2004 to
the CIMA Toastmasters Club and accordingly the club provide CIMA members and passed finalists with an
progressively worked towards achieving it. opportunity to improve their communication skills and
to create and shape professionals who are equipped to
The club successfully had members appointed to the
meet the challenges of today. The CIMA Toastmasters
District Council of District 82, which is an important
Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday of
achievement for the club. Distinguished Toastmaster
each month at 6.30pm at the CIMA Sri Lanka Division
Probodini Seneviratne was appointed as the Assistant
but with the pandemic situation, they meet via Zoom.
Division Director — Division E (Club Growth) in 2019–20
The meetings are structured in a way that would add
and she has subsequently been appointed as the
value to each member in terms of hands-on experience
Division Director — Division E in 2020–21.
in public speaking, constructive evaluation, and learn from
Toastmaster Nashitha Mohammed was appointed as the award-winning public speakers. The club also provides
Area Director of Area E5 in 2019–20 and Toastmaster opportunities for members to socialise and build useful
Shanika Gunasekara has been appointed as the Area networks with others in the CIMA fraternity, empowering
Director of Area E4 for 2020–21. every CIMA Toastmaster member to go beyond.
The club also won the Presidents’ Distinguished Award,
Smedley Award and Talk-Up-Toastmasters award from
Toastmasters International, having added the required
number of new members. Members of the club made
CIMA proud as three members competed in the Division
Level and won several awards.
Two CIMA Toastmasters, Wirendra Wannakuwatta
and Minali Fernandopulle were the MCs (Master of
Ceremonies) for the CIMA Convocation ceremony
held in January 2020. In addition to that, many CIMA
Toastmasters took up roles in Toastmasters events,
the Division Conference, Area Contests and Officer
Training Programmes.
CIMA Toastmasters completed two Speechcraft
programmes and CIMA members who joined these
programmes enrolled with the Toastmasters Club to
polish their public speaking and leadership skills.
37CIMASS activities in 2020
The CIMA Students’ Society (CIMASS) is the student The CIMA Mind Challenge is a corporate quiz competition
body of CIMA Sri Lanka and organises a wide array of that CIMASS has been organising for the past 21 years.
events for the benefit of CIMA students and members During the pandemic, CIMASS organised its first Digital
throughout the year. The year 2020 marks the 26th CIMA Mind Challenge. The competition entailed an online
year of CIMASS. escape room and scavenger hunt that attracted 30 teams
representing well-known corporate brands, institutes and
The CIMASS calendar for the year 2020 began with
passionate individual quizzers.
‘Catalyst by CIMA Launchpad’, a project that was
organised to create awareness of entrepreneurship The latest CIMASS initiative is a publication that guides
among students. This project was a workshop in the students to professional life. The publication will consist
form of a competition that helped students understand of interviews with successful personalities in the
the process of converting an idea into a viable business corporate world, an analysis of the career paths open
venture. The competition was completed with the in the world of finance, insights from HR executives
participation of 25 teams representing national and from leading corporates in the country and also various
private schools and universities, who received guidance tips and advice to students that can help them in their
from a panel consisting of 10 mentors from varying professional and student life. The publication, Insights by
business backgrounds. CIMASS was available to students in December 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIMASS recruitment Stay tuned to the CIMASS social media channel
drives and subcommittee formations were done virtually. for further updates:
In May, CIMASS organised a webcast specifically for
facebook.com/CIMASSofficial
students and youth to demystify the impact the COVID-19
instagram.com/cimass_official
pandemic would have on a few critical aspects of their
lives. The discussion revolved around challenges and
opportunities that students face due to the pandemic in
the job market, how it would affect the higher education
opportunities available for them and tips on how time in
lockdown could be used productively.
38 Reflections — The official digest of CIMA Sri LankaYou can also read
