CA Sri Lanka strengthens global presence with Kuwaiti Chapter

8 July 2015 06:30 pm Views - 1363

CA Sri Lanka Kuwait Chapter office bearers


The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently inaugurated yet another overseas chapter in Kuwait, as it continues to strengthen its presence globally. 

The chapter was officially inaugurated in the presence of CA Sri Lanka President Arjuna Herath, acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Kuwait, office bearers of several Sri Lankan associations, over 40 members of the institute as well as representatives of the Kuwaiti corporate community, including managing partners of leading audit firms.

Speaking on the importance of establishing overseas chapters, Herath said that although CA Sri Lanka takes pride as a national body, the institute commands an international outlook, with a significant presence at a global level.

“CA Sri Lanka is recognized by international accounting professional organizations as world class,” Herath said. 

He emphasized that of the 4600 members at present, over 30 percent serve in overseas positions spanning some 40 countries, which is a significant achievement for a local accounting body. 

“The main aim of our chapters, including the chapter in Kuwait, is to enhance the professional competencies through CPD programmes for CA Sri Lanka members; Provide an opportunity for social and community interaction; Advocate and promote the value that the members add to the business; while also working closely with the members and the Sri Lanka community in Kuwait,” Herath said.

He also expressed hope that the CA Sri Lanka chapters can be an important platform which could help position Sri Lanka in the world arena by facilitating trade and investments between Sri Lanka and the respective countries are chapters are established in.

President of the CA Sri Lanka Kuwait Chapter, Sajad Abdul Cader said that with the establishment of the chapter, Chartered Accountants in Kuwait are united locally as one family and the chapter will be used by CA Sri Lanka as the sole window to engage with members more closely of its future activities.
 
Chief Executive Officer of CA Sri Lanka, Aruna Alwis said that a large Sri Lankan community works in the Middle East, and a significant contribution to our foreign exchange comes from the Middle East, from professionals hailing from multiple sectors, including chartered accountants. 

He added that this year, apart from Kuwait, CA Sri Lanka also established a chapter in the United Arab Emirates, and plans are underway to establish chapters in several other countries where there is a significant number of CA Sri Lanka members present.