Inauguration of the ICASL's Ratnapura Information Centre by ICASL's President Mr. Nishan Fernando

As part of a major initiative to develop and strengthen the Accountancy education in the regions, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (ICASL) commenced its fifth Information Centre in Ratnapura at Sabaragamuwa Provincial Chamber of Commerce & Industry 567 2/1 Main Street on February 25.

"We are keen to provide education facilities for Chartered Accountancy to the students from the regions and by now we are in four other locations; Kandy, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala and Matara. These Information Centres are already being patronized and used by a large number of students. The response so far has been very positive," President ICASL, Nishan Fernando said.

The main objective of the expansion program is to introduce the premier Accountancy qualifications throughout the country," he added. The ICASL decided to expand its services to the Sabaragamuwa Province because it is a fast developing region in Sri Lanka, with a vast potential for promoting Accountancy education and developing new businesses with a lot of employment opportunities.

In this effort, ICASL works in unison with the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Through this combined synergy we expect to deliver our best services to the youth in the province and support their education plans, so that they can be the future leaders who could develop the region's economy."

The two institutions are planning to contribute their best to improve the quality of education in the province and also to encourage many students to enter the higher education path through this partnership. "We want to provide the latest opportunities to the students in the area; they lacked such opportunities earlier," said the Chief Executive Officer of ICASL, Aruna Alwis.

ICASL Information Centres are designed to provide comprehensive details about Accountancy education including training and employment opportunities and how to plan a career in the Accountancy field. They can also get information about ICASL, its current and future programs etc.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka is the Premier National Accounting body of Sri Lanka which is also the only statutory authority for Accounting and Auditing Standards in the country.