It's sometimes difficult to identify the true meaning of "professionalism." Many individuals use professionalism as a facade to cover their lack of ability to perform their job effectively. Others use it for intimidation to gain power. Still others use it as a way to impress the unknowing. However, it seems that very few individuals use it for its original intent---to provide a foundation for effective communications and efficient performance.

At a time when professionalism is questioned and morality tested, the CIMA Students' Society (CIMASS) appointed its new committee on the 24th of January, headed by 24 year old Dinushika Dissanayake, a graduate in law and a CIMA Passed Finalist.

Ably assisted by Vice President Vishnu Balachandren, Dinushika and her new committee have a series of events planned for the year, events that promise to be bigger and better than in previous years, in keeping with the CIMASS ideology of continuous improvement and excellence in execution.

CIMASS operates with the key objective of providing its members with a means of gaining access to knowledge and skills beyond the CIMA curriculum, that are essential to create a well-rounded CIMA professional. CIMASS is in the fore front of grooming future business leaders and have been successful in organizing events of high caliber that add value to the local student & passed finalist population whilst ensuring that its members are provided with the perfect platform for effective communications and efficient performance.

Annually organising more than six diverse events as well as a student newsletter, the CIMA Students' Society (CIMASS) has produced high calibre events as well as professionals to enter the business world for the past fifteen years.

Some of the innovations CIMASS intends introducing this year includes an E-newsletter, in keeping with the needs of the contemporary student. Replacing the traditional bi-annual magazine, the New Age E-Newsletter will reach all CIMA students and passed finalists in Sri Lanka monthly, carrying useful information on upcoming events, soft skills as well as technical knowledge.

Another first for the CIMA Students' Society in the upcoming year will be the launch of its first web presence in order to provide more information to its student base.

Dinushika and her Committee also intends introducing a new venture for CIMASS in 2009; a student mentorship program. Reaching out to the able guidance of giants in the business world, CIMASS will give students and passed finalists an opportunity to personally meet, question and learn from established business personalities providing each participant with a unique learning environment.

Describing the event at the 16th Annual AGM of the Committee, Dinushika noted that the program was in keeping with the mission of the CIMA Students' Society. "We intend introducing a unique forum in which CIMA Students' and Passed Finalists will have an opportunity to establish mentors and seek professional guidance in their careers from seasoned vetarans in the business field. A monthly informal roundtable discussion among a small group of students and a prominent business personality will allow CIMA students to have one-on-one discussions with industry experts and possible future mentors", she said. To be held monthly, this program promises to be popular, interesting and informative for all concerned.

Other annual project for the year includes the CIMA Mind Challenge, the CIMA Launch Pad which was inaugurated in 2008, and the extremely popular Annual Student Conference. The much looked forward to CIMA Sports Event and Social Event too will make an appearance this year, with a difference.
Combining the two popular projects, CIMASS looks forward to organizing a grand sports day cum carnival, an event that promises to appeal to all students and passed finalists.

The CIMA Students Society represents more than 13,000 students and 2,000 passed finalists in Sri Lanka, comprises talented and passionate young CIMA professionals who strive to maintain high standards and excellence in their endeavors.