SPELLMASTER - the popular TV series, endorsed by the Ministry of Education, which provided fun, education, entertainment and made CIMA a household brand, is to be telecast once again. Organisers of the programme the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Sri Lanka Division along with Sirasa TV announced the launch of Spellmaster 2011, with the calling of entries from schools islandwide.

The spelling competition introduced to support the Government's initiative of English as a life skill and to promote and develop the English language skills of students islandwide in a fun and competitive manner, took viewers by storm, captivating not only the hearts and minds of the young but that of the elderly too.

Mr. Bradley Emerson, Regional Director South Asia and Middle East CIMA, on the launch of the 2011 competition said, "The fever of CIMA Spellmaster is back once again. The enthusiasm our programme has created is not only among the contestants, but also among the micro society around them.

That is the families, colleagues, teachers which have made the CIMA Spellmaster their house hold name. The programme brings together the children from the entire country helping them primarily to believe in themselves; to gain self confidence; the discipline to prepare to contest, to bow out and do it with grace. CIMA Spellmaster is now an investment in the foundation of confidence of our children. We are looking forward for a greater number of participants this time and everyone can be assured to experience yet another thriller."

Mrs.Nedra Weerasinghe, Group Director - Electronic Media Business, MTV Channel (Pvt) Ltd - MBC Networks (Pvt) Ltd, had this to say on the launch, "As you are aware, The Capital Maharaja Group, and its media companies are very involved in many programmes that inspire and give opportunities to the youth in this country. Being the most popular media house in Sri Lanka, we are aware of our social responsibilities, towards this segment of society.

"Spellmaster" is a programme which allows students form all walks of life, the opportunity to participate actively in this programme. CIMA in Sri Lanka and the people associated with the brand are committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards, and to maintaining public confidence in management accounting. It has empowered and created opportunities whilst increasing its brand equity. Most importantly CIMA has "Worked at the heart of business."

Our best wishes go out to CIMA for continued success." The competition will be held at a National level in collaboration with the Department of Education and will be conducted in all 25 districts. This time around students can either enter through the school or individually with an endorsement of the school principal. Those eligible to participate in the competition will have to between 14 and 18 years as at 31 January 2010, and forwarding the application that could be downloaded from the CIMA web site www.cimaglobal.com

Prizes in excess of Rs. 1 million are on offer, with winners at the district competitions also been billed to carry away cash awards.

Over the past 40 years CIMA has made a substantial contribution towards fulfilling the higher education needs of the youth in Sri Lanka and this initiative is yet another programme organized by CIMA to help students in developing their skills.