First Capital Investor Symposium brought together investors and market leaders in Colombo to examine Sri Lanka’s economic outlook for 2026, offering data-driven insights into growth prospects, fiscal pressures, and evolving investment conditions amid a changing macroeconomic environment.
First Capital Investor Symposium reviews growth risks and market trends
First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), hosted the 12th edition of the First Capital Investor Symposium on January 22 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, reinforcing its role as a leading platform for market dialogue and investor engagement. The annual forum has become a benchmark event in Sri Lanka’s financial calendar, drawing institutional investors, corporate leaders, and analysts seeking clarity on economic direction and investment strategy.
At the symposium, First Capital presented its outlook for Sri Lanka’s economy in 2026, highlighting a combination of underlying resilience and emerging vulnerabilities. A key projection was a moderation in economic growth, with GDP expected to soften to a range of 3.0–4.0 percent in 2026, compared to an estimated 5.0 percent in 2025. This anticipated slowdown was largely attributed to the economic impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has disrupted livelihoods and dampened consumption, particularly outside the Western Province.
The analysis noted that damage caused by the cyclone is likely to weigh on household spending and regional economic activity, creating spillover effects across multiple sectors. While reconstruction efforts are expected to support activity over time, the near-term impact on demand presents a challenge for sustaining higher growth momentum.
Despite these headwinds, speakers at the First Capital Investor Symposium highlighted Sri Lanka’s improved fiscal discipline and structural resilience, trends that have been evident since 2023. Stronger policy frameworks and tighter financial management have helped stabilise key indicators, offering a degree of confidence to investors. However, the need for increased capital expenditure to support post-cyclone recovery introduces new pressures, particularly in an environment of slower growth.
One of the central concerns discussed was the potential strain on debt management. With economic expansion moderating, maintaining progress on fiscal consolidation could become more complex, especially if public spending rises to address infrastructure repairs and social support needs. The outlook therefore emphasised the importance of balancing recovery-driven expenditure with long-term fiscal sustainability.
Beyond growth projections, the symposium featured in-depth discussions on interest rate movements, exchange rate dynamics, and bond market trends. These sessions explored how domestic and global factors may influence yields, currency stability, and investor sentiment in 2026. The dialogue provided participants with a comprehensive view of the interconnected forces shaping Sri Lanka’s financial markets.
The event attracted more than 300 invitees in person and over 400 online participants, making it one of the largest investor gatherings held in the country. This strong turnout reflected the growing demand for credible analysis and forward-looking insights, as well as First Capital Holdings’ standing within the investment community.
Addressing attendees, Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Capital Holdings PLC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s investment landscape. He noted that First Capital remains focused on delivering dependable market intelligence and actionable strategies that enable investors to navigate uncertainty while identifying opportunity.
A highlight of the First Capital Investor Symposium was the panel discussion moderated by Deshani Ratnayake, Vice President – Corporate Finance and Advisory at First Capital Advisory Services. The panel brought together senior corporate leaders and market experts, including Gihan Cooray of John Keells Holdings, Sabrina Esuffally of Hemas Consumer Brands, Nishal Ferdinando of JAT Holdings, and Dimantha Mathew of First Capital Holdings.
Drawing on their collective experience, the panelists offered practical perspectives on operating in a shifting economic landscape, addressing topics such as consumer demand, cost management, investment prioritisation, and strategic positioning. Their insights provided attendees with a grounded understanding of how businesses and investors can adapt to changing conditions while capitalising on emerging opportunities.
The symposium also featured a detailed research presentation by Ranjan Ranatunga, Assistant Vice President – Research at First Capital, alongside Akna Tennakoon, Senior Research Analyst. Their session examined market dynamics and key indicators that investors should monitor closely in 2026, reinforcing the importance of data-driven decision-making.
Discussing the firm’s outlook and investment themes, Dimantha Mathew, Chief Research and Strategy Officer of First Capital Holdings PLC, highlighted the organisation’s emphasis on collaboration and analytical rigour. He explained that First Capital has developed a set of investment recommendations across both bonds and equities, designed to help investors make informed strategic choices in what is expected to be a defining year for Sri Lanka’s markets.
As one of the country’s most prominent investor forums, the First Capital Investor Symposium continues to play a meaningful role in supporting economic development by improving financial literacy and fostering informed participation in capital markets. The success of its 12th edition further strengthens First Capital’s reputation as a trusted source of market insight, committed to supporting investors through disciplined research and consistent client engagement.