T

Sri Lanka.

Visa Officer
High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka
33A, 5th Lane
Colpetty
Colombo 03
Sri Lanka.

Dear respected Sir/ Madam,

Statement of Purpose for B.COM

My name is …………………… of 241 ¼ W A Silva Mawatha, Colombo -06 Sri Lanka. bearer of Passport Number
N…………….. and I am looking forward to reading a Bachelor of Commerce (B.COM) at the University Canada
West (UCW) in Canada for April 2023 intake.

The purpose of this statement is to provide background information about me and my intention behind pursuing
this graduate qualification.

It is a fact that every moment I learn new things, I find that it leads me to be my best version. Learning made me
powerful, and I believe in technology and the business-oriented world, it is a great support to face challenges
successfully and seize opportunities. During my working period, unfortunately, I didn’t get much time to give my
focus on higher education, but I always believe that “Learning is a never-ending process” and it is vital for every
individual to cope with new challenges and grab opportunities promptly in today’s business world and I’m glad
that now I got the opportunity to study in the well-recognized university in Canada which surely will give the
best experience on the educational side and on the general diversity which will take me to the next level on the
personal and professional development.

Educational Background

I have done all of my secondary education at Jaffna/ Chundikuli Girls’ College.

Summary of my Academics

G.C.E Advanced level (A/L) examination results (2009)

Subjects Grade
Economics C (Credit Pass)
Business studies C (Credit Pass)
Accounting C (Credit Pass)

G.C.E Ordinary level (O/L) examination results (2016/2017)

Subjects Grade
English A (Distinction)
Tamil Language A (Distinction)
Health & Physical education A (Distinction)
Mathematics B (Very good pass)
Social & History B (Very good pass)
Music B (Very good pass)
Business Accounting C (Credit Pass)
Tamil Literature C (Credit Pass)
Religion (Saivism C (Credit Pass)
Science and Technology S (Ordinary Pass)
Other Technical Courses

 SIX SIGMA Yellow Belt Certification – 2019

 Certificate in Computerized Accounting (ACC PACK) with distinction, 2011.
 Certificate in Computerized Accounting (Quick Book), 2007.

Apart from technical knowledge, English language proficiency is mandatory to continue higher studies in
Canada. Therefore, I did IELTS (Academic – Computer based) and gained marks as below.
th
IELTS Academic (Paper Based) – 19 April 2022
IELTS Overall Band Score 6
Speaking Listening Writing Reading
7 6 5.5 5.5

Employment History

After the completion of my secondary education, I started to search for jobs because from childhood I was
inspired by my relatives who started their careers at a very early stage, and now they have achieved so many
things from those experiences. So, I believe that going to work at a possible young age will help us to learn all
kinds of experiences practically, which will also help us to become more mature personalities, which is true.

Position Organization Duration No of years

Trainee Assistant / Finance Sharon Civil Mar 2010 – May 5 years and 2 months
executive Construction (Pvt) Ltd 2015
Executive / Administrative Edge Group (Pvt) Ltd Jun 2015 - Oct 2 years and 4 months
Executive 2017
Finance executive / Senior Finance London Stock Oct 2017 - Present As of now, it’s more
Executive / Associate Manager Exchange Group than 5 years.
Overall, I have more than 12 years of experience in finance operations services in the financial technology
environment. I’m currently working as an Associate Manager for more than five years at LSEG.

Initially, I joined Sharon Civil Construction (Pvt) Ltd as a Trainee Assistant and was subsequently promoted to
Finance executive. During the course, I learn about basic accounting and financial fundamentals and their
importance in a company. Also got an opportunity to learn about the business drivers, processes, and metrics. I
was working there for nearly five years, and it was an immeasurable opening for me to thrive my career to the
next level Sharon Civil Construction (Pvt) Ltd is one of the leading construction companies in the market and I’m
glad that got this platform during my very first stage of career path.

With this remarkable journey, I decided to explore and learn more not only about finance but also the different
people, cultures, and places which will lead me to drive further on the working platform.
With that, got an opportunity at Edge Group (Pvt) Ltd as an executive and then administrative executive, here I
learned more about the financial operating system such as Quick books, Acc Pac, which gave me a huge platform
to communicate and engage with the multicultural people around the organization.

After these experiences, I started to look for international exposure companies and work hard towards that, and
I got selected as a finance executive at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) which is one of the best
international stock exchange and financial shared services companies around the globe, LSEG could be known
as the Strategic Global-Service IT Hub that is formed to cater to both local & global business operations & live-
stock management in the industry through the latest IT solutions. LSEG shared service is dedicated to providing
all the Business Process Management solutions such as Finance / Marketing / IT Development & Support / HRM
/ Administration / Research & Development/ Capital Markets etc. And with the dedication and integrity, I have
shown in the field, I have been promoted to a Senior Executive and presently working as an Associate Manager
with more responsibilities such as people management with 3 members of a team and making sure the smooth
process of account payable.
Why I preferred Canada to progress my anticipated graduate studies.

Initially, my mind was a bit clouded with many thoughts as I had to make a sensible decision in regard to the
selection of the best destination to peruse my higher studies. I was highly fascinated to complete my degree
qualification in an overseas country as I know certainly that will create a huge opportunity to climb up my career
ladder. I thus conducted small research on my own considering a few factors such as recognition of foreign
academic qualification in Sri Lanka / safety of international students/affordability & nature of foreign exposure
I may gain / response towards natural disasters & pandemics so on, in order to make an informed decision. This
research revealed several options to explore further and was very helpful for me to take a rational decision in
the end.

Firstly, I searched the higher education programs available for me in popular education destinations such as UK
/ Canada / Australia / New Zealand & USA. Having carefully analyzed all the aspects of possible options, I was
able to further narrow down those options & convinced ultimately that the destination of my future study should
be in Canada. The key reason for choosing Canada is an economically important decision for me as the tuition
fee and cost of living for international students in Canada are extremely affordable when compared to other
countries. Every international student would find it more convenient as far as the tuition fee & monthly house
rent / daily meals & transportation expenses are concerned.

Canada is known to be one of the best peaceful countries in the world as the Institute for Economics and Peace
(IEP) reveals. This clearly reflects the safety and welcoming culture for international students in Canada. I also
noticed that Canada has the highest standard of living and a breathtaking natural environment. Most of all,
Canada is a democratic, multicultural state that has gained popularity for being respectful to all nationalities in
the country.

Since a huge number of international students from different parts of the world are studying in Canada, I also
will be exposed to a multicultural environment that will create a great platform for me to exchange ideas / learn
many cultural values/ deal with different nationalities / understand the business world at the global level.
Therefore, this exposure will enhance my potential to reach my professional and personal goals in the future. In
addition, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I observed that governing bodies of Canada played a very responsible
and remarkable role for international students in Canada. As such, I was highly fascinated by all these features
to opt for my higher studies in Canada. Since I was a child, I have heard Canada is one of the best countries in
the world to live in. Still, they are in their higher rank proudly and I’m sure that international students also can
get that higher standard of living while they are in Canada. So, I am well relieved about my safety as an
international student.

The major reason to choose the university in Vancouver is that it has been named one of the most livable cities
in the world. Therefore, I firmly believe that Vancouver city is filled with all the infrastructure facilities and a
calm environment for education. Furthermore, Canadians are friendly, entertaining, and loving people. So, I
would be able to build more contacts and friendships easily.

Why I decided to study at University Canada West (UCW)

I certainly believe that following a degree program at the University of Canada West at this decisive point would
be a stepping-stone to great success in my career life. Having talked to 3-4 education consultants in Sri Lanka
and a few of my friends/relatives in Overseas countries and via internet browsing, I found several universities &
institutes in Canada that could meet my requirement.

International exposure, world recognized high quality & modern education, experience with cross-culture,
sophisticated technology adapted in the classroom/affordability/flexibility, were few of the key factors that led
to determining my choice of study needs to in UCW and they have awarded me a pathway to knowledge
entrance scholarship worth of CAD 17,400. This university is accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of
Advanced Education, Skills & Training, carries the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) accreditation under the
2003 Degree Authorization Act, and holds the top-ranked in the list of universities of the first Hundred in Canada.
More than 6500 students choose UCW every year from around the world. The different cultures, languages, and
people meet here to make UCW a home. In 2017, the university’s Bachelor & Post Graduate Business degrees
received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. (ACBSP)
Why I decided to study Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com)

I have spent more than 12 years in the corporate environment holding several designations from trainee to
associate manager. But I feel nowadays that I have missed something in my career ladder that might strike me
to move forward. Though today I am highly satisfied with the choice that I made to peruse my career in the field
of corporate finance in the account payable process, I am a bit concerned about the stage that I am now in as
far as my career ladder is concerned. I indeed have high thoughts about my prospective career life in the long
run just like every other, and it is my responsibility to shape it in accordance with my own desire & the
requirement of the future job market. I am thus determined to take an extra step forward in order to strengthen
my career life further. As of now, I have gained enough knowledge and experience to perform my current job
successfully. But earning a graduate education like B. Com is imperative for me at this juncture to take the next
step of my career ladder & explore more career opportunities. Moreover, Today’s job market is changing at a
rapid pace & highly competitive more than ever. If one is unable to understand this situation and cope with the
current trend, one will definitely be stuck in the same position for a quite long time. Therefore, I am looking
forward to investing my time in this crucial time to obtain this higher academic qualification.

Furthermore, having thoroughly analyzed my career progress; can be observed that I have stagnated in the same
position for the last three years. Even though I possess an adequate amount of experience to perform my current
job role, it raises the question of whether I have enough qualifications to uplift my current position to a more
managerial skill role. Also, my company always encourages me to do higher studies as a part of the next step of
my individual succession plan. Hence, I believe that I will be promoted by the management once my academic
goals are accomplished. Also, the inspiration that I got from my immediate supervisor is notable during the last
two years to read graduate programs at my performance review meeting that is held on a quarterly basis.

Batchelor of commerce is a wide-ranging platform for business and financial studies. It has dominated every
aspect of business and accounting concepts and controls. As I’m working in the corporate functions in finance,
it is of utmost importance to learn the practical aspects of business & technology learning. Since I’m working at
the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), many of our exco members are qualified with international direct
learning qualifications and I strongly believe that this course will support me reach to that level once I come to
Sri Lanka with the qualification. As mentioned earlier, I was so motivated by the higher officials’ knowledge while
working at LSEG. Still, I am young, and this is the best time to strengthen my academic background and go
forward in my career life by moving fast without stagnation and to be fit for better opportunities. It will enhance
my knowledge and secure job opportunities in the finance service operations field. Apart from that, many
financial information companies now expanding their business and creating many opportunities in South Asian
countries such as Sri Lanka, India, etc. This course will provide the opportunity to apply classroom learning to
that workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience.
Further, I believe I will surely gain the necessary knowledge and skills I need to achieve my objectives and goals
in the future. However, as the world changes and the way businesses evolve around modernization, it is always
important to have an update on new strategies, theories, and techniques in the field of business. After going
through the course content, I felt that this course is focused on the technical aspects rather than academics
only. Therefore, I decided to follow the Bachelor of Commerce which is essential to achieve my career
expectations.

Reasons for not studying in Sri Lanka

The education system in Sri Lanka is far lagging with updated technology and sophisticated facilities, therefore,
is difficult to find a quality program in the business field. Even though in Sri Lanka there are several
institutes/universities that conduct foreign degrees, I am in the need of exposure on the global stage. (i.e.,
Multicultural exposure/language proficiency / global business environment, etc.) the further education system
and degree programs in Sri Lanka are without any international exposure and are mainly based on theoretical
aspects, and the practical content is not marked as expected. When comparing the study techniques for
graduate programs between Sri Lanka and Canada, the difference resides in the career pathways, with Sri Lankan
graduate programs being more academically centered, while Canadian graduate programs are more career-
focused on the area of study.

Further, due to the political and economic instability in the country, the majority of people are protesting to
meet their human needs and wants. According to the above-mentioned reasons, I have observed that the
educational system in the country has collapsed. Therefore, I have decided to do my higher education in another
country

My Future Objectives and Goals.

My first and utmost goal is to complete my graduate program within 4 years and acquire specific expertise and
global business knowledge that enhance my potential in the job market in the long run. Upon my return to Sri
Lanka, I thus believe that my future will be more secure with this initiative. Since I was already working at LSEG
for more than 5 years and I have kept a good relationship with most of the top managers and departments and
they will certainly support me to join back at LSEG after completing my course to get a job as Project Manager,
Manager Business partnering. They are well aware of my capacity and performance as I won VIP (Value In
Practice) award last year. Please see below a sample recent vacancy, posted by LSEG for Project Manager.

Other than that, John Keells, MIT ESP, Hayleys Group, and there are many more technology businesses evolving
companies published on weekly basis such as Top Job. lk, LinkedIn, and other social media. I can join one of these
leading companies as well with a good salary scale.

Therefore, I believe that there will be more exciting career opportunities for me once I return to Sri Lanka. Hence,
being equipped with international academic qualifications as well as international exposure at this point will
certainly help me to grasp those opportunities in the future. Hence, I highly believe that this is high time to
obtain a foreign degree program under my belt. As such, Completion of my degree in Canada would certainly
enable me to attain many goals in my professional as well as personal life in the long run
Once my short-term goals are accomplished, In the very long run with the aid of my husband (i.e., He is a financial
and banking professional working at a private sector organization for more than 12 years), I am looking forward
to establishing a Management Consultancy firm in my home country that provides services on Taxation /
Business registration / Workforce Management / Implementing business strategies. I am sure this would help
many businessmen who failed to owe to a lack of knowledge of the business world and an inability to make
effective business decisions. Establishing the said consultancy firm, I also would like to make a positive impact
on the economic growth in my home country by reducing the high unemployment rate / bridging the knowledge
gap of businessmen & creating more entrepreneurs, etc. during my later life.

Financial Background

Required Funds:
As per the University offer letter and based on Canada.ca and ucanwest.ca followings are the approximate
expenses for a period that involves the total per year in Canada
Estimate Living Expenses
Description Per Month Per Year
Tuition Fees 17,605
Accommodation 750 9,000
Public transport monthly pass 100 1,200
Food estimation 350 4,200
Cell phone with data for internet 100 1,200
Provincial health insurance 170 2,040
Total cost per year 35,245

th
Paid the 1st-semester tuition fee sum of CAD 7,900 via Telegraphic Transfer on 20 December 2022.

Available Funds:

I have sufficient funds to study in Canada with the support of my husband. We have funds in the Peoples Bank
of Ceylon and DFCC Bank Fixed Deposits of around LKR ……………… (CAD………………..approximately). Financial
support documents are attached separately.

Fixed Deposits
Account Source Amount
LKR CAD
…………………. My spouse sold the house and saved ………………. ………………
that amount as a fixed deposit.

………………….. …………………. ………………

Grand Total of Available Funds ………………… ………………….

Apart from the above financials, my husband owns a car (CBA ……….) with a market value of LKR 4,000,000
which was calculated in 2021 but presently the value will go even more than 5 million as per the market
research. (A certificate of registration and 2021 valuation report are attached).

As per the DFCC Bank’s Fixed Deposit (Account Number: ……………) balance confirmation, the lien amount of LKR
…………………. which I have taken to keep as advance for the visa fees, air tickets, and other expenses.
My Family backgrounds

I am the youngest child in my family and got married to my loving husband in 2016 and blessed with a kid who
is three years and eight months now. My father passed away due to a medical illness when I was studying in
grade eight and my mother is a retired music teacher. I have a sister and she got married and currently living in
Jaffna, Sri Lanka. My mother is currently living with my sister in Jaffna.

My mother is the biggest inspiration in my life, and she is such a strongest person because after my father passed
away, she is the one who looked after us as a single parent and make sure that we grow safely and educated
properly in our country and still she is giving her the best. When I consider my personal life, I have a huge
responsibility for my mother. Still, she has enough strength to take care of her because she is just over 68 years
but, in the future, she will need my love, care & support, especially since my mother is so close to my son because
he is the only grandchild for her. I really want my son to be with her as much as possible. Until I return to Sri
Lanka, my sister will take care of her but as a loving youngest daughter I cannot pass these responsibilities to my
sister forever.
My husband is the other half of my life and my comrade who always motivated me to chase my dreams by
saying, “the greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it.” When he got to know my ambition to be
educated at a foreign university that is the time, he was ready to support me in every way he could. Now he is
encouraging me mentally and monetarily to be successful in my career and life goals. Currently, he is working as
a Manager in a leading finance company. I’d like to reiterate that I’m completely aware of the expenses
associated with my study period in Vancouver, Canada. My husband is committed to providing necessary
financial support to me during this period without any restrictions.

My Personal Declaration

I am confident of the decision that I have made, and I hereby assure my return to my home country upon
completion of my degree program successfully. As stated throughout the SOP, I have great potential to join a
reputed organization in Sri Lanka upon completion of graduate qualification with exposure. Having studied and
been exposed to an overseas country like Canada, I am certain that I will be able to see drastic progress in my
career ladder. Therefore, I am eager in need of completing my degree with foreign exposure at this juncture.

Lastly, your favorable and prompt consideration of my request would be highly appreciated & I hereby confirm
that I wrote this statement of purpose solely by myself and that the information given in the SOP is accurate and
reliable. I assure you that I will respect all your immigration rules and regulations and will be back after
completing my higher studies in Canada.

Thank you,
Yours Sincerely

…………………………………
T…………………
(Passport No:
N………………..)