The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) have made a historic stride in accounting and IT education by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the first time. This MoU aims to enhance and collaborate on professional education. The agreement was signed by CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu and SLIIT Business School Dean Prof. Suren Peter, with the presence of SLIIT Business School's Head of the Department of Business Management, Prof. Nisha Jayasuriya, CA Sri Lanka CEO Asoka Piyadigama, and COO Lakmali Priyangika.
The MoU will mainly aim to increase the flexibility of the qualification process for students pursuing both CA Sri Lanka and SLIIT credentials. It will also explore potential future reciprocal arrangements between the two institutions. This initiative seeks to create a seamless pathway for students aspiring to careers in accounting and finance, thereby enhancing their professional opportunities.
CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu said, “For the first time in our institute’s history, we are delighted to sign an agreement with SLIIT and formally collaborate in our efforts to continuously expand what we can offer our youth. By combining our strengths, we aim to provide a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for successful professional careers across accounting and finance”.
Under the MoU, CA Sri Lanka and SLIIT will collaborate in several areas, including having lecturers participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences organized by each institution on accounting topics. Both institutions will also conduct joint research in accounting disciplines and share resources like libraries and computer centers. SLIIT Business School Dean Prof. Suren Peter commented, “This partnership will provide our students with enhanced opportunities for professional and academic growth, preparing them to upskill in critical areas necessary for their future career success”.
The MoU outlines additional potential areas of collaboration, such as joint efforts in developing students' soft skills, curriculum development and revision and providing practical training opportunities in business organizations, audit firms, and state corporations. CA Sri Lanka may offer exemptions to SLIIT undergraduates, enabling them to take CA Sri Lanka examinations and qualify as Chartered Accountants. Furthermore, SLIIT is considering allowing CA Sri Lanka members to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees based on benchmarking outcomes by UK ENIC (UK National Agency for International Qualifications and Skills).
