CIMA (The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and ICTA (the Information and Communications Technology Agency of Sri Lanka) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to help foster the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in Sri Lanka.
The future wealth creation for most of the developing world is slated to be through knowledge based industries. Business process outsourcing brings with it not only foreign direct investment but also provides significant opportunities for the creation of a large number of skilled jobs.
CIMA Sri Lanka is a leading membership body that offers an internationally recognised professional qualification in management accountancy. CIMA currently supplies the BPO industry of Sri Lanka with a pool of qualified professionals, all of whom have the expertise and business acumen to help drive the industry forward.
ICTA’s vision is to harness ICT as a lever for economic and social advancement. It is hoped that the potential Sri Lanka has to become the destination of choice for the BPO industry coupled with CIMA facilitating further engagement that this vision can become a reality.
As part of the MOU, ICTA will work with CIMA to facilitate national interest programmes related to the BPO industry and will also facilitate and partner in CIMA’s BPO Investment Forum to be held in January 2008. ICTA will also provide resource personnel to create awareness within the current CIMA student population to promote the BPO industry and its potential amongst current students.
CIMA will organise joint seminars on issues related to the BPO industry and facilitate engagement with the industry, whilst exploring the possibility of developing soft skills and English training programmes amongst CIMA students.
The BPO industry, particularly in the finance and accounting sector, is marked for significant growth in the next 10 years. Together, CIMA and ICTA will strive to harness the potential of this industry as an agent for economic and social advancement in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the signing of the MOU at the Trans Asia Hotel, CIMA Sri Lanka Division’s President, Aruna Fernando commented that ‘the BPO industry has great potential to enhance the economic landscape in Sri Lanka. It presents great opportunities for direct foreign investment, as well as improved career prospects for the youth of Sri Lanka. Many CIMA students and members are already working within the BPO industry and are a testament to the rewards and prospects this industry can bring. We are delighted to partner with ICTA in this very worthy endeavour.’
Reshan Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer and Director of ICTA added: ‘The BPO industry has the potential to transform Sri Lanka into a knowledge based economy and to create significant amounts of employment. We are delighted with this partnership with CIMA and we are confident that together we will be able to achieve great things.’
Source: http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/08/29/ft/12.asp