Anuradhapura and Jaffna SMEs gained insights into alternative capital-raising avenues at recent forums organised by the Colombo Stock Exchange, SEC and CA Sri Lanka to expand access to capital market opportunities.
Anuradhapura and Jaffna SMEs gain insights into alternative capital raising
The forums, held in Anuradhapura and Jaffna on September 10 and 12 respectively, formed part of an ongoing island-wide initiative designed to improve awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises about financing options available through Sri Lanka’s capital market.
Organised by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), the sessions focused on helping businesses understand how stronger financial management and capital-market participation can support sustainable expansion.
For participating businesses, the forums provided an opportunity to examine alternatives to conventional sources of business finance. Discussions covered how SMEs can strengthen their financial position, improve their preparedness for external investment and understand the requirements involved in accessing capital-market funding.
A key area covered during the sessions was the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework. Such mechanisms can help businesses understand the importance of demonstrating financial strength and creditworthiness when seeking funding. The sessions also highlighted the value of maintaining sound financial management practices as businesses prepare for future growth.
Participants were also introduced to the SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards Programme, alongside information on broader opportunities available through the CSE. These initiatives form part of efforts to increase awareness of the support and market-access mechanisms available to entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
The forums also provided an overview of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), giving participants a better understanding of the process and regulatory considerations involved when a company seeks to access public equity markets. For SMEs considering longer-term expansion, understanding the requirements for public-market participation can be an important part of strategic financial planning.
Another area of discussion was succession planning for family-owned businesses. Family enterprises represent an important segment of the SME sector, and structured succession planning can help businesses prepare for changes in ownership and management while maintaining continuity.
Participants also learned about the CSE’s Empower Board, which provides an avenue specifically designed to facilitate access to the capital market for smaller and growing companies. The initiative forms part of the CSE’s efforts to broaden participation in the capital market and provide businesses with an alternative mechanism for raising funds.
The discussions were particularly relevant to businesses outside Colombo, where awareness of capital-market instruments and access to specialist financial expertise can be important factors when companies consider expansion. By taking the forums to Anuradhapura and Jaffna, the organisers provided regional entrepreneurs with direct access to professionals involved in regulation, investment, accounting and capital-market services.
The programme concluded with interactive panel discussions, allowing participants to engage directly with industry professionals. The sessions provided an opportunity for business owners and representatives to raise practical questions about preparing their companies for capital-market participation and managing growth.
The panel brought together representatives from the SEC, CSE, CA Sri Lanka, professional services firms and investment banking. Speakers included SEC Managers for Corporate Affairs Samanthi Gunawardana and Marian Sandanam, CSE Senior Vice President, Commercial, Punyamali Saparamadu, and CSE Jaffna Branch Manager Shanmukananthan Sabananthan.
The panel also included CSE Manager – Commercial Himashi Wickramasinghe, JA Partners Managing Partner Somasuriyasingham Janarthanan (FCA/FCMA), Ernst & Young Partner Rasika Fernando, CA Sri Lanka Vice President Anoji De Silva, Deloitte Sri Lanka Associate Director Krishnaveny Karmegam, and Asia Securities Investment Banking Analysts Tharusha Wickramarachchi and Neshigan Ganeshan.
The range of expertise represented at the forums allowed participants to consider capital raising from several perspectives, including regulatory compliance, financial reporting, investment banking and business planning. This cross-sector engagement is particularly relevant for SMEs that may be unfamiliar with the practical steps involved in preparing for capital-market participation.
The focus on SME capital raising Sri Lanka also reflects the broader importance of expanding financing options available to businesses across different regions. Access to appropriate funding can support investment in capacity, technology, new markets and other areas of business development, although individual companies must assess the suitability of each financing option based on their circumstances.
For Anuradhapura and Jaffna SMEs, the forums provided a platform to better understand these opportunities while connecting directly with professionals who work within Sri Lanka’s capital-market ecosystem. The initiative also highlighted the role of financial discipline, governance and long-term planning in preparing businesses for sustainable growth.
Through continued regional engagement, the CSE, SEC and CA Sri Lanka are seeking to broaden awareness of capital-market opportunities beyond the country’s main commercial centre. The latest forums in Anuradhapura and Jaffna add to that effort by giving SMEs practical information on alternative funding avenues and the steps involved in becoming better prepared for capital-market participation.