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.”
For further information on the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment contact
Lora Benson +44 20 7645 0662/ +44 7801 521034 or lora.benson@cisi.org
About Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment
The CISI’s mission is to help members attain, maintain and develop their knowledge and
skills and to promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and
investment profession.
Based in the City of London, with origins in the London Stock Exchange, the CISI is a
global organisation with representative offices in financial centres such as Barcelona,
Colombo, Dubai, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manila, Mumbai, Nairobi and Qingdao. We
work in close cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies worldwide
and over 40,000 examinations were sat in 81 countries in the last twelve months. With
45,000 members in over 100 countries the CISI is the professional body which sets
examinations and offers qualifications for those working in or looking to establish a career in
the financial planning, wealth management and capital markets profession.