CISI Colombo office celebrates 10 years

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Sri Lanka office turned ten on 3 March 2021, celebrating a decade of operating as a core hub to serve its international expansion.

The not-for-profit, global membership body’s Colombo office launched in 2011 with just seven staff, a number that grew steadily over the next seven years, to the point where 39 staff needed to relocate to bigger premises in 2018. Today there are 59 staff in the office, many of whom form part of the CISI team in various UK departments, including Marketing and Communications, Global Business Development, Finance, Customer Support, and IT.

In 2016, the CISI Colombo office welcomed the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, one of Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned universities, to its worldwide network of partner universities. The following year CISI launched the Global Educational Trust Awards in Sri Lanka, with the winning student receiving a week’s work experience in the UK at the Union Bank of India.

CISI CEO Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI, said: “Our Colombo team is composed of highly skilled professional staff who have contributed to our transformation from a London based professional body to a global organisation.

“Today, we are proud to support over 40,000 members in 116 countries as they progress and excel throughout their career. As we mark ten years in Sri Lanka, we not only celebrate our journey, but look forward to the next ten years connecting members around the world, setting international

standards for integrity and professional excellence.”

Asanka Wijeratne Chartered MCSI, CISI Sri Lanka Country Head said: “Our CISI Colombo office celebrates a significant milestone this year. In its 10-year journey the Institute has demonstrated its core value of imparting knowledge by championing financial literacy programs in the country with the support of local government bodies. It has also provided continuing learning opportunities to the wider local community.

“Ten years ago, when the Colombo office started operations it had 6 staff members. Today there are almost 60 staff members. The Institutes’ success has been its people and I as the Country Head am proud to be a part of this journey.”

Nihal Fonseka FCSI(Hon), CISI NAC Sri Lanka President said: “In the 10 years since inception, CISI Sri Lanka has evolved into a key driver of the transformation of CISI from a UK based to a global professional body. CISI Sri Lanka has also successfully engaged with many local institutions to provide professional training and drive home the importance of integrity and ethical behaviour in financial services. I am pleased to have been associated with CISI as the President of the National Advisory Committee in Sri Lanka and have no doubt that it will go from strength to strength in time to come.”