SEC and CSE investor forums are strengthening Sri Lanka’s capital market outreach as regulators intensify efforts to broaden investor participation, enhance financial literacy, and promote investor protection through regional engagement programmes across multiple provinces.
SEC and CSE investor forums expand stock market access nationwide
SEC and CSE investor forums continued their nationwide expansion as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka and the Colombo Stock Exchange intensified efforts to broad base the country’s stock market through a series of regional awareness programmes targeting both new and existing investors.
Recently conducted forums in Galle, Badulla, Ratnapura, Gampaha, Kegalle and Kuliyapitiya attracted more than 800 participants in total, reflecting rising public interest in equity market participation amid improving market conditions. These sessions were designed to educate the public on investing responsibly, understanding capital market opportunities, and recognising the importance of investor protection.
Senior representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission played a central role in each forum, offering participants a clear understanding of the regulator’s mandate and the standards expected of investors and market intermediaries. Mr. Suneth Perera, Acting Director – Supervision at the SEC, addressed participants in Galle and Badulla, while Mr. Nimal Kumarasinghe, Manager – External Relations at the SEC, led sessions in Ratnapura, Gampaha, Kegalle and Kuliyapitiya.
These presentations focused on the role of regulation in maintaining market integrity, safeguarding investor interests, and fostering confidence in the equity market. Participants were guided through the basic rights and responsibilities of investors, as well as the importance of informed decision-making when entering the stock market.
A key component of the SEC and CSE investor forums was the emphasis on alternative investment avenues, particularly Unit Trust investments. First-time and potential investors were introduced to professionally managed funds and their potential to deliver higher long-term returns in a growing capital market environment. Industry professionals from leading asset management firms shared practical insights into portfolio diversification and risk management.
Speakers from Asset Trust Management, CT Smith Asset Management and JB Financial highlighted how Unit Trusts can serve as an accessible entry point for individuals who may lack the expertise or time to actively manage direct equity investments. These discussions resonated strongly with participants from regional centres, many of whom were exploring formal investment options for the first time.
The forums also featured detailed analyses of sectoral performance and broader market trends presented by research analysts from prominent stockbroking firms. These sessions examined how the prevailing low-interest-rate environment has reduced returns from traditional savings instruments, making the capital market an increasingly attractive option for long-term wealth creation.
Research professionals from NDB Securities, HNB Stockbrokers, Bartleet Religare Securities and Asha Securities shared perspectives on key sectors, valuation trends and emerging opportunities within the equity market. Their insights helped participants better understand how macroeconomic conditions influence market performance and investment strategies.
Interactive panel discussions formed the core of each event, allowing participants to engage directly with regulators, exchange officials and market professionals. These discussions addressed common investor concerns, practical challenges faced by new entrants, and the evolving role of the capital market in supporting economic growth.
Panelists from the SEC, CSE and leading brokerage firms provided candid responses to questions on market volatility, regulatory safeguards, and ethical trading practices. Moderated by senior CSE officials and industry professionals, the panels encouraged open dialogue and reinforced the importance of transparency and trust in capital market development.
Each forum concluded with opportunities for participants to meet investment advisors from licensed stockbroking firms, enabling one-on-one discussions on investment planning and account opening procedures. In addition, recruitment interviews were conducted for investment advisor training programmes offered by leading brokerage houses, supporting skills development and employment generation within the financial sector.
According to the organisers, these SEC and CSE investor forums form part of a broader, long-term strategy to improve financial literacy, expand market participation beyond urban centres, and build a more inclusive and resilient capital market. By taking investor education initiatives across the country, the SEC and CSE aim to ensure that the benefits of capital market growth are accessible to a wider segment of the population.