The Department of Financial Management, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, in collaboration with CFA Society Sri Lanka, successfully conducted an insightful and highly interactive session titled “The CFA Program Advantage & Effective Use of AI in Finance” under the theme “Pathways to Career Excellence.” The event was held on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon at the Faculty Auditorium.
The session attracted a large number of enthusiastic students who actively participated throughout the programme. It provided an excellent platform for students to engage directly with experienced finance professionals, gain valuable career insights, and explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in the finance industry.
Active Student Engagement
Students demonstrated great enthusiasm from the outset by actively participating in discussions and engaging with the resource persons. The interactive question-and-answer session encouraged students to raise thoughtful questions on a wide range of topics, including the CFA Programme, scholarship opportunities,career pathways in finance and investment management, examination requirements, and the practical applications of artificial intelligence in the financial sector.
The two-way interaction created a dynamic learning environment where students were encouraged to think critically, share their perspectives, and gain practical knowledge from industry experts.
Distinguished Resource Persons
The session featured a panel of eminent professionals and academics who shared their expertise and experiences:
- Prof. R. Vijayakumaran, PhD – Head, Department of Financial Management, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna
- Rashmi Peries Paranavithane, CFA – President, CFA Society Sri Lanka
- Nuwan Jayawardena, CFA – Chairman, University Outreach Committee, CFA Society Sri Lanka
- Aruna Alwis – Chief Executive Officer, CFA Society Sri Lanka
The speakers highlighted the value of the CFA qualification, emerging trends in the global finance industry, and the increasing importance of AI-driven technologies in shaping the future of financial services. Beyond their presentations, the resource persons actively engaged students by posing questions, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering meaningful discussions throughout the session.
Recognising Student Participation
To encourage active involvement, CFA Society Sri Lanka presented gifts to students who answered questions correctly and made valuable contributions during the discussion. This thoughtful initiative created an engaging and enjoyable learning atmosphere while recognising students for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and participation.
Key Takeaways
The session provided participants with valuable learning opportunities, including:
- A comprehensive understanding of the CFA Programme and its global recognition.
- Information on scholarship opportunities offered through CFA Society Sri Lanka.
- Direct interaction with experienced industry professionals and career guidance from finance leaders.
- Insights into the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence on the finance profession.
- Enhanced motivation and confidence through active participation and knowledge-sharing.
Looking Ahead
The Department of Financial Management sincerely appreciates the valuable contribution of CFA Society Sri Lanka and its distinguished representatives for making this event a resounding success. The session exemplified the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in preparing students for the evolving demands of the finance profession.
The Department remains committed to organising similar initiatives that provide students with industry exposure, professional networking opportunities, and the knowledge and skills required to excel in their future careers.
