The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) has announced the appointment of Nandika Buddhipala MCSI as President of its Sri Lanka National Advisory Council (NAC).

Nandika takes over from Nihal Fonseka FCSI(Hon), who became founding President in 2011.

Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC since 2008, Nandika will represent and promote local CISI membership and the securities and investment profession in Sri Lanka. The NAC supports the provision of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities and networking events for local CISI members. He has been serving as a member of the CISI NAC Sri Lanka since 2011.

With over 30 years’ experience in audit and assurance, telecommunications and the banking industry, Nandika started his professional career at KPMG in Sri Lanka, Republic of Maldives and Sultanate of Oman. He has been serving the council of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, UK) Sri Lanka Branch since 2006 and was the President of Sri Lanka Branch in 2008 – 2010.

Nandika has been a visiting lecturer and a guest lecturer for undergraduate and mainly post graduate level subject areas such as Auditing, Management Accounting, Economics, Finance, Strategy, Corporate Governance and Risk Management at universities including University of Sri Jayawardenapura, University of Colombo, University of Wayamba and University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

He is a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and has been recognized by Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka for his outstanding contribution to the accounting profession.

On his appointment, Nandika (left) said: “It is an honour to take on this role and continue the inspiring leadership which has been shown to our NAC by Nihil Fonseka, for which we are deeply grateful. I look forward to continuing to nurture the growth of our CISI membership and strengthening CPD opportunities in the key areas of knowledge, skills and behaviour.”

Outgoing president (right) Nihal Fonseka FCSI(Hon) said: “I am delighted to have been leading the CISI NAC since its inception and I look forward to supporting Nandika and the  committee.”

Kevin Moore, Chartered FCSI, CISI Global Business Development Director said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to our outgoing President Nihal Fonseka for his leadership. As the founding President of the CISI’s NAC in Sri Lanka,  Nihal has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to developing professional standards within the financial services profession in Sri Lanka. We also remember Nihal’s support for the very successful initiative involving 5000 young Sri Lankans taking a CISI qualification a few years back, which is still our biggest single project in terms of financial education in schools. We congratulate Nandika Buddhipala MCSI on his appointment and very much look forward to working with him as CISI Sri Lanka NAC president.”

The CISI Colombo office celebrated 10 years in March this year.