CIMA " young minds 2000' programme brought in 2000 Advanced Level students from the entire country to Sugathadasa indoor stadium, Colombo on January 22, 2011, to listen to the deliberations by world renowned motivational specialist Reg Athwal.

The main objective of this programme organised by CIMA and 'tharunyata hetak' was to inculcate a positive attitude and self belief among students from all parts of the island, and was a positive step towards directing youngsters to be at the forefront of any discipline pursued.

Reg Athwal, an internationally acclaimed professional speaker, author and consultant to over 20,000 CEO's and 250,000 managers worldwide, enlightened the audience with his insights on harnessing inborn talents and techniques of enhancing self confidence. He stressed on the importance of an individual identifying a unique talent early in life, where focus and direction of actions towards development of this aptitude throughout an extended period is essential. This will enable the achievement of excellence in the chosen path of an individual.

Athwal's charismatic approach and use of personalised experiences to relate key motivational theories kept the audience enthralled in the day's proceedings. He continuously engaged with the audience and his deliberations were grasped with enjoyment and ease.

Athwal also stressed on the importance of achieving personal goals embedding 'positive blueprint's in one's subconscious mind. This is where one should consistently ponder on positive experiences and achievements building self confidence. Negative influences by peers or relatives and discouragement should be avoided and cast aside.

Mobitel, MAS holdings, Daily Mirror, Daily financial times, The Sunday Times and the Imperial College of Business studies were at the forefront of this national cause, being sponsors of the event.