It was a long felt need of the internal audit professionals in Sri Lanka to have a formal institute that is dedicated to developing standards for the profession. Hence, a few like-minded internal audit professionals had a discussion on the 14th June 2005. The very same day, we were able to form the Institute of lnternal Auditors Sri Lanka (lIA-SL) Chapter that is affiliated to the Institute of lnt
ernal Auditors Inc (llA Inc) where the global headquarters is in the USA. The objective of the I|ASL is to uplift the standards of the internal audit profession in Sri Lanka and to train internal audit professionals. Affiliation with the llA Inc allows us to leverage on standards and methodologies that are recognized worldwide without the need to reinvent the wheels in Sri Lanka. Ten years later, we have grown to a chapter of about 130 members. Our key focus is still to facilitate internal audit professionals to earn the Certified Internal Auditor (ClA) certification that is the worldwide-recognized certification for internal auditors" The first examinations in Sri Lanka were held in November 2005. To further up lift the professional standards of internal auditors in Sri Lanka, not only for the market but also for the world market, we have organized members-only and public conferences on various topics. We have also built-up a library of books and CDs to expand the lIA knowledge and expertise. IIA Global:
Established in 1941 in the United States of America, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) serves as the global voice and advocate for the internal audit profession. Throughout the world, The IIA is recognized as the profession’s leader in certification, education, research, and technological guidance. Currently the IIA Inc has over 250 affiliates that serve close to 175,000 IIA members in over 165 countries. . The history of internal auditing has been synonymous with that of The IIA and its motto, "Progress Through Sharing." The IIA provides International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, a variety of leading-edge professional development opportunities, certifies qualified audit professionals, delivers quality assessments, conducts benchmarking surveys, and undertakes valuable research and educational product projects through The IIA Research Foundation. The IIA believes that a fully resourced and professionally competent internal auditing staff that provides value-added services is critical to the efficient and effective management of an organization. Certification sets professional internal auditors apart from the rest by documenting their mastery of the field and practice of internal auditing. Becoming certified requires extensive preparation, study, knowledge and experience that indicate a commitment to professionalism. Hence, The IIA offers certifications such as the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certification in Control Self Assessment (CCSA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) and the Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA). See the attached brochure on Certification for more information. In an effort to understand, guide, and shape the profession, The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation has released the most comprehensive global study ever conducted on the internal audit profession. The study, the Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK), has produced a rich database of information on how the profession is being practiced worldwide. To be repeated periodically, CBOK will enable The IIA and its institutes to track the profession's progress in achieving the ideal state all around the globe.
