Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) Commences its New Lecture Cycles in 2021
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We are passing an era where knowledge and skills dominate in every aspect of life, due to continuous advancement of information and bio technology and related areas of operations. The result?
A very dynamic world of unprecedented changes in our living and working environments at an unimaginable pace.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is constantly challenging the human supremacy in all areas of activities where it has become extremely difficult to find an area which has been able to escape its influence. Banking and Financial services industry is not an exception: it is experiencing unprecedented revolutionary changes in the entire operational environment due to the introduction of Financial Technology (Fintech) and Blockchain operations.
Gaining advanced knowledge and skills with continuous updates is the solution to stay afloat and command in any position in the workplace in such an environment. Like many other areas of economic activities, Banking and Financial Services Industry is forced to embrace this change and adjust accordingly for continuous progress. As in the past, the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL), is ready to offer opportunities for those who are in the banking and financial services and also those who aspire to enter the new world of banking and financial services industry with knowledge and skills to lead a commanding career.
The Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka offers affordable professional qualifications that also enable aspirants to gain an academic qualification simultaneously, right here in Sri Lanka. During the past few years, Sri Lanka’s Banking and Finance sector has grown rapidly.
The rapidly expanding financial sector of Sri Lanka needs professionals with updated advance knowledge and skills.
The College of Banking and Finance (COBAF), the training arm of the IBSL, is ready to commence its new lecture cycle with physical classes at the IBSL Towers located at No.80A, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 8. The same classes will be offered online for students who find it difficult to have access to classes due to distance and other problems.
What is “IBSL”?
The Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka is a professional body that was set up in 1964 by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in the name of Bankers’ Training Institute (Ceylon) and the institute was incorporated by a Parliament Act in 1979. The main purpose behind the setting up of this institute was to provide an education in Banking and Finance for banking and non-banking personnel.
The Governing Board
The IBSL managed by a Governing board of 12 high ranking banking sector professionals consisting of two members from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (A Deputy Governor as Chairperson and an Assistant Governor as Vice Chairman), two members from Bank of Ceylon (General Manager and a Deputy General Manager),two members from People’s Bank (CEO/General Manager and a Deputy General Manager), three members from other banks ( at present CEOs/General Managers from Sampath Bank, National Savings Bank and Seylan Bank) and three members elected by Fellow and Associates members of the IBSL.
What is the Mandate of IBSL?
The following includes in the mandate of the IBSL;
a) To provide instruction and training for employees of banking institutions and for employees of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in the study of the theory and practice of banking and of related subjects and of such purpose to provide all facilities including lectures, discussions and library facilities;
b) To conduct examinations and to issue certificates to those who are successful in such examinations;
c) To facilitate and encourage discussions on matters of interest to bankers; and
d) To take such measures as may be desirable to further the interest of banking.
Why do you need to select the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) for your Banking & Finance education?
The IBSL is the only academic institution specifically mandated by an Act of Parliament to offer training, examinations and qualifications in Banking and finance subjects
Programmes are designed by resourceful professionals representing state, regulatory (Central Bank of Sri Lanka) and commercial banks
Programmes are conducted by the professionals with experience and exposure in the areas related to the respective subjects
IBSL qualifications are highly recognized in assessing the employability as well as for promotions in the industry
What are the programmes offered by IBSL?
IBSL as the professional body for Bankers, offers wide range of Certificate and Diploma programmes, which are designed to enhance the knowledge of Bankers. The flagship programme is the Diploma in Applied Banking and Finance (DABF), completion of which can get the Associateship of the Institute. In order to do the DABF all students need to complete the first stage which is Intermediate in Applied Banking and Finance (IABF). Every bank in Sri Lanka recognize this for their promotions and confirmation of its employees to the permanent staff.
Apart from DABF, IBSL has Diploma Programmes which are especially designed to improve specialised areas of Banking. Those diplomas include Postgraduate Executive Diploma in Bank Management, Diploma in Credit Management, Diploma in International Trade, Diploma in Treasury and Risk Management, Diploma in Islamic Banking etc. Bank or Finance company employees who directly involve in credit management; international trade etc. in their respective bank or finance company can follow these specialised courses. Even Diploma in Treasury and Risk Management course has been recognised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for officers who handle their Bank’s primary dealing/ treasury activities.
Apart from those programmes, if a Bank or a finance company needs a special programme tailor made to them, IBSL can deliver accordingly.
What are the benefits of IBSL programmes?
Provide Professional qualifications for Bankers/ Employees of Financial Institutions
Provide a Special recognition for carrier progression
Recognised for higher education streams including number of post graduate programmes
Considered as an added qualification for your existing qualifications
What are the eligibility requirements for enrollment?
An employee of a Bank or Financial Institution or other Company/Institution
Pass the GCE(O/L) /GCE(A/L) and other higher studies
Affordable Cost
The IBSL programmes are offered at an affordable cost when compared with the other professional qualifications. Interest free monthly installment plans are provided by the Peoples’ Bank, National Development Bank (NDB), Commercial bank, and Union Bank for the coverage of course fee.
Professional Qualifications
within a short period
IBSL examinations are conducted twice during the year (March and September) and therefore, it provides an opportunity to complete both IABF and DABF qualifications within 2 years.
Obtain a Degree/ MBA
After completing the above qualifications, students now can enroll for the final year of the number of Degree programmes offered by
Nothermbria University- UK,
Postgraduate Executive Diploma in Bank Management – IBSL or
MBA offered by recognised Local Universities & Northumbria University, UK.
Professional Masters in Banking and Finance offered by Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand
Study and Examination Medium
IBSL cater to students through teaching methods and examinations in all three languages, that is, English, Sinhala and Tamil. During the COVID 19 pandemic online classes were introduced, as students were not able to attend physical classes due to health risks. Students who registered with the IBSL to follow online lectures benefitted immensely as lectures were offered free of charge with the facility of viewing them later through YouTube in addition to savings of money and time as they were able to follow lectures while being at home.
Certificate awarding
Certificates are awarded at a ceremonial Convocation with the presence of number of dignitaries including the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Facilities
IBSL Tower is a modern building with all facilities including Library, State of the art Class Rooms, 200 seating Cafeteria, student waiting areas etc.
Future
IBSL is currently working on revising the existing syllabus and developing a study programme to obtain degree awarding status from the University Grants Commission.
Accordingly, those who join with the IBSL will have more opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills at international standards leading to better prospects as a professional in Banking and Finance and more.
More details
For further inquiries, please contact Manjula (0766536700) Kavindra (0740166122), email: kavindra@ibsl.lk or cobaf@ibsl.lk and visit the IBSL website www.ibsl.lk.