The Annual Conference of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) was held recently. This year the theme was ‘Developing Future Accountants’.

The AAT is the pioneer and the largest accounting body in Sri Lanka. At a media briefing held on 31 October to explain this years annual conference Kishu Gomes Key note speaker referring to the energy crisis said ; World runs on energy. The demand for energy in the near future would shoot upto 40 percent higher than the present day.

Referring to the natural disasters he added that floods, earth quakes, wild fire etc, impacts negatively on the economy. A case in point is that statistics indicates that recent natural calamities resulted in the loss of between 2-5 percent of the GDP in China. However, our country does not keep a tab of similar nature. He referred to human resource as the most important resource our country posses. According to Central Bank figures eight million workers are under employed. The standard of the Sri Lankan workers should be developed to face global competition. He pointed out the importance of team work.

Entrepreneurs should create a value for themselves. Gain knowledge which has a demand. Knowledge should be translated to commercial value. He emphasized on the importance to plan strategy. ‘In the event of a set back one can turn back and examine where you failed’.

Hennayake Bandara President AAT said; this year’s theme is relevant to develop leadership skills amongst professional’s, academia and also to members entering the profession. Development of strategies together with the development of future programmes entails facing challenges. Also each year the development of a theme and structure posses a challenge.