THE MARKET
Sri Lanka’s professional education landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by the demand for globally recognised qualifications. Amid this dynamic environment, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA®) stands as a beacon of excellence, offering a pathway to strategic business and financial leadership.
With an increasing emphasis on governance, analytics and ethical decision making, CIMA’s Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Professional Qualification’s relevance continues to grow among students, professionals and employers seeking future ready talent.
ACHIEVEMENTS
CIMA Sri Lanka has consistently set benchmarks in professional education since its inception in 1965. Over the past six decades, CIMA Sri Lanka has nurtured thousands of Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA designation holders) who now hold leadership roles across industries locally and globally.
Moreover, CIMA Sri Lanka has been recognised for its contribution to national capacity building, partnering with leading universities, corporates and government bodies. The CGMA designation is now among the most sought after credentials in the region.
Today, CIMA members are working in over 1,500 organisations across Sri Lanka and having a global impact in more than 90 countries, contributing to transformations in finance, strategic leadership and ethical governance worldwide.
HISTORY
Founded in 1919, CIMA is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants. The Institute is a founding body of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association); its members and candidates operate in more than 150 countries and territories, working at the heart of business – in industry, commerce, the public sector and not for profit organisations.
CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading edge research, constantly updating its professional qualification and professional experience requirements to ensure it remains the employers’ choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders.
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants established its presence in Sri Lanka in October 1965. Initially catering to a niche group of finance professionals, the Institute rapidly expanded its reach, becoming a household name in professional education. The 1970s and ’80s saw a surge in student enrolments with CIMA Sri Lanka introducing flexible learning pathways and examination centres across the island.
In the 1990s, the Institute embraced digital transformation, launching online resources and global case study exams. The early 2000s marked a strategic shift towards business strategy and leadership, aligning the syllabus with real world demands.
Today, CIMA Sri Lanka celebrates 60 years of empowering professionals with members contributing to policymaking, entrepreneurship and corporate governance across the globe.
As it looks to the future, the Institute’s commitment to advancing and elevating the profession in the island is as strong as ever; and it will continue to build a supportive, forward-looking community that champions professional excellence and empowers its members to drive sustainable success – for their careers, organisations, communities and the country.
THE PRODUCT
CIMA offers the globally recognised CGMA Professional Qualification for business and finance professionals, culminating in earning the CGMA designation.
Developed by finance professionals for finance professionals, the CGMA Professional Qualification equips learners with the knowledge and capabilities to drive strategy, support decision making, and deliver value across both the private and public sectors, thereby opening doors to countless career opportunities in Sri Lanka and across the world.
The syllabus is structured across three pillars – enterprise, performance and financial – culminating in keystone business industry simulation case study exams across operational management and strategic level. Candidates gain expertise in financial analysis, strategic decision making and business management, including mastering content on topics such as GenAI and sustainability.
There are three main pathways to completing the CGMA Professional Qualification: the self-tailored learning route where candidates have the flexibility to choose their study methods, including tuition providers or self-study; the CGMA Finance Leadership Program, an online guided study experience; and experiential pathways for accounting, finance, and business professionals with senior level experience and expertise.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In celebration of its 60th anniversary in 2025, CIMA Sri Lanka launched a series of initiatives aimed at future proofing its offerings. These include the introduction of environmental, social and governance (ESG), sustainability modules, partnerships with diverse corporates and AI driven learning platforms.
The institute has also expanded its presence in regional hubs, offering hybrid learning models and mentorship programmes. CIMA Sri Lanka recently hosted the Shift 25 Summit, attracting thought leaders and industry professionals from across the country.
Another notable milestone was the return of the CIMA-JXG Pinnacle Awards in 2025 – following an 18 year hiatus – to celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation among Sri Lanka’s business and finance community.
In addition, the launch of the CGMA Finance Leadership Program in 2021 enhanced accessibility to a global professional qualification for working individuals across the nation.
PROMOTION
CIMA Sri Lanka employs a multichannel promotional strategy, leveraging digital media, campus activations and industry partnerships. The Institute runs annual campaigns such as Futuristic Careers Right After School and
Lead with CGMA, targeting school leavers and young professionals.
Collaborations with schools, universities, alumni and corporate leaders amplify its brand visibility. CIMA also engages in thought leadership through webinars, white papers and media features. Its presence on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube ensure continuous engagement with a tech savvy audience.
To mark CIMA Sri Lanka’s 60th anniversary, the Institute lit Colombo’s iconic Lotus Tower with its logo – a proud moment for the CGMA community, and a powerful initiative to celebrate six decades of leadership and impact in Sri Lanka.
BRAND VALUES
CIMA Sri Lanka is built on the pillars of integrity, innovation and impact – principles that have guided the Institute for six decades in shaping future ready, principled professionals to drive strategic value and business performance.
Its brand ethos is defined by its commitment to lifelong learning, inclusivity and global relevance, ensuring that members and candidates thrive in a world of constant change.
CIMA fosters a culture of excellence, encouraging members and candidates to think beyond numbers and become catalysts for change. Through its CGMA Professional Qualification, thought leadership, learning resources and events, CIMA embodies these values, developing professionals who lead with purpose, precision and agility.
At the heart of everything CIMA does is a focus on enabling members and candidates to learn, grow and excel. By continually innovating and adapting, the Institute ensures that they are equipped to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic business world.
