Mindset Change and Ethics: The Themes at the 5th Graduation Ceremony of ICMA (Australia& New Zealand)

Two hundred and fifty top corporate executives, entrepreneurs and business leaders were bestowed with a world-class finance qualification from the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (Australia & New Zealand) at the Graduation Ceremony held on 7^th December 2022, at Hotel Galadari. Mr. Viraj Dayaratne PC, Chairman – Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest at the event organized by the Academy of Finance – the exclusive partner.

The graduation batch of over 200 senior professionals comprised of CEOs, Directors, General Managers, Marketers, Bankers, Engineers, and Entrepreneurs - who were keen to sharpen their financial decision-making skills with a comprehensive strategic management accounting qualification and leap forward in their careers with a qualification which is recognized as relevant and of great value by the corporate world.

Mr Kapila Dodamgoda, the Regional Director of ICMA (ANZ) for the Sri LankaRegion and the founder of the Academy of Finance, welcomed the audience and congratulated all the graduates for their achievements during one of the most challenging periods for Sri Lankans.

Prof. Janek Ratnatunga CEO – CMA (ANZ), chaired the event. The overall theme of his message was that those in Sri Lanka, especially professionals, entrepreneurs and those working the land need a 'Change in Mindset' and need to develop a ‘Can-do’ attitude. At a time when the world sees us as a bankrupt nation with endemic corruption, Sri Lankans need to take note of the things we are grateful for, rather than things that we lack. He was confident that our graduands have over their studies and career had such a mindset change.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Viraj Dayaratne PC, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka was introduced by MrAshanNissanka, President of the ICMA Sri Lanka Region. Mr. Dayaratneemphasised that, while concentrating on the high aspirations in the chosen field and prospering as worthy professionals, it is equally important to bear in mind the necessity to be ethical in the conduct of the professional duties. It is only when ethics have been upheld and prioritized that professions and professionals could work towards the ultimate benefit of society.

“As professionals, we need to gain the trust of the people. We need our clients to know that we are committed towards doing what is right and making the right choices in furtherance of their interests, even if it means having to take hard decisions”, was the advice of MrDayaratne, to the new Graduands.

Dr Sri Ranjan, professionally trained Medical Doctor and General Practitioner, in his valedictory speech, explained that with his promotion to the Chair of a private hospital, he wanted to fully understand the inner working of a business, which is why he chose the ICMA course,.

The Chair Prof. Ratnatunga, then declared the closure of the Graduation Ceremony.

With a recognized MBA, one can join the Graduate Conversion Programme to become a Certified Management Accountant (Australia& NZ) in six months. Non-finance professionals with degrees or  professional qualifications can join the full Graduate Conversion Programme.

Interested individuals can log in to www.cmaaustralia.lk and explore the details before they apply for a place in the program in the January 2023 Batch.

Professor Janek Ratnatunga-CEO ICMA (ANZ) 

Mr. Viraj Dayaratne PC - Chief Guest