CMA Australia qualifying workshop 2010 was recently concluded in August, at Hotel Renuka. During the seven day programme the participants have gone through two rigorous modules on Strategic Cost Management and Strategic business Analysis, supported with Harvard Case Studies, Videos and active learning activities.

The programme was initially conducted by the institute of Chartered Accountants -Sri Lanka (since 1998) as a member development programme. Since then ten workshops have been conducted in Sri Lanka and more than 500 participants have gone through the programme.

A CEO of a top multinational commented that "The financial insight gained throughout the programme improves your entrepreneurial skills. I would consider it as one time investment for lifetime success".
The programme was organised by the Academy of Finance, the exclusive partner for ICMA Australia in Sri Lanka. Every year more than hundred students go through various stages of ICMA Australia programmes in Sri Lanka. The participants are mainly senior professionals in the areas of Marketing, Engineering, HR Management and Law who want to be financially savvy and qualified. Mr Kapila Dodamgoda- Managing Director of the Academy of Finance (Pvt) Ltd commented that the CMA Australia Programme has gained wide popularity amongst the already qualified professionals wanting to improve their financial literacy significantly helping them to ascend in the corporate ladder.

The programme was facilitated by Prof Janek Ratnatunga -MBA, Phd (Bradford), Dip. Mktg., FCA, CPA, CMA (Aus), the Head of School of Commerce in University of South Australia. Prior to that Prof Ratnatunga has held the Chair in Business Accounting at Monash University, Australia. In 2009 he was awarded the prestigious American Accounting Association's Impact on Management Accounting Practice Award.

The programme was followed by a cocktail event with the participation of more than one hundred ICMA Australia members and students. Dr Nalaka Godahewa, Sri Lanka branch president of ICMA Australia addressing the exclusive gathering commented that the Branch will start adding more value to its members and students with a series of continuous professional development activities to keep them ahead of the current developments.