IPMSL enhances project management skills

HIRAN H. Senewiratne

TRAINING: The Institute of Project Managers- Sri Lanka (IPMSL) is the only organisation in the country that promotes and advancement the science and practices of project management skills in Sri Lanka, its President Mervyn Gunasekera said.

To foster professionalism in the management of projects it would help in obtaining and exchanging academic and industrial research and technical knowledge in project management for speedy communication systems and discussions.

The Institute's prime objective is to enhance project management skills of professionals which is the need of the hour when planning projects in every capacity.

He said that the Sri Lankan Government has undertaken major development projects; therefore having proper project management skills would help to complete those projects on time without any financial constraints.

"Our nation requires well established professional project managers in our way forward to the national development," Gunasekera said.

It will establish and maintain technical and management libraries, publications on matters of professional interest and any such other means.

Currently IPMSL has more than 220 members in different professional spheres covering construction industry, legal, accounting professionals with project undertakings, he said.

Gunasekera said that to promote the knowledge of project management; to encourage original research and provide a recognised forum for the free exchange of ideas, applications and solutions with a view to facilitating the scientific and economic development of Sri Lanka.

To conduct examinations on granting membership of the Institute, to test the competency of persons engaged in project management and to grant certificates of competency in the field of project management.

To determine the eligibility of candidates for admission to the various grades of membership based on the need of them, which conducts short duration courses from day programmes to four days.

The IPMSL is also planning to start a two year diploma in project management course at the institute, which will be launched before the end of this year, Gunasekera said.

He further said that to maintain ethics, standards and accreditation in the field of project management they are in the process of drafting a code of ethics for prospective project managers in the country.

It also discuss the ways and means to promote project management skills among the members of the IPMSL, as the country requires a very well professional project managers for the future.

It also encourages and assists in the settlement of disputes by adjudicators, arbitrators and to maintain panel of adjudicators, arbitrators.

It also establishes relationships with other public and private organisations, with regard to project management, and to co-operate in matters of common interest.