The Seylan Bank Partnership with the Central Depository Systems marks a major step toward improving investment access for non-resident investors. The initiative strengthens market connectivity through streamlined processes and enhanced digital integration.
Seylan Bank Partnership enhances investment access for global non-resident investors through CDS
The Seylan Bank Partnership with the Central Depository Systems (CDS), a fully owned subsidiary of the Colombo Stock Exchange, represents a significant advancement in efforts to improve access for non-resident investors entering Sri Lanka’s capital market. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, the two institutions have outlined a collaborative framework designed to expand investment convenience, strengthen digital processes and reinforce Sri Lanka’s growing position as an accessible destination for global investors. The initiative builds on ongoing national efforts to modernise financial infrastructure and enhance the overall market entry experience for international participants.
Under the agreement, eligible non-resident investors with Inward Investment Accounts can seamlessly channel investments into Sri Lanka’s capital market. This streamlined process allows individuals to manage their investment portfolios with ease while ensuring they can repatriate returns without administrative delays. By simplifying investor onboarding requirements and aligning with global banking expectations, the partnership aims to make Sri Lanka’s capital market more welcoming and competitive on an international scale. The Seylan Bank Partnership is therefore expected to play a meaningful role in attracting foreign inflows at a time when the country seeks to deepen market resilience and broaden global engagement.
The signing ceremony was held at the Colombo Stock Exchange located at the World Trade Center, where senior representatives from Seylan Bank, CDS and the CSE were in attendance to formalise the collaboration. Among the Seylan Bank leadership present were Deputy General Manager for Retail Banking, Eugene Seneviratne; Chief Information Officer, Harsha Wanigatunga; Assistant General Manager for International Banking, Dilan Wijegoonawardena; Senior Manager for International Financial Services, Nalin Nissangaratchie; and Manager for Retail Remittances, Nishantha Peiris. Their participation underscored the institution’s commitment to supporting the needs of international investors while advancing its own digital-driven banking strategy.
Representing the capital market institutions were Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Rajeeva Bandaranaike; Chief Market Operations Officer, Chandrakanth Jayasinghe; Head of CDS, Nadeera Athukorale; and several other senior officials. Their presence highlighted the strategic nature of this collaboration, which seeks to align capital market operations with evolving global standards and facilitate easier access for investors regardless of location.
During the event, Seylan Bank’s Deputy General Manager for Retail Banking, Eugene Seneviratne, emphasised the importance of the initiative in strengthening Sri Lanka’s market appeal. He noted that the bank is committed to supporting digital transformation and improving financial inclusion, both of which are central to enhancing investor participation. He added that enabling non-resident investors to access the capital market more easily contributes directly to improving foreign investor confidence and aligning the domestic market with global best practices.
Meanwhile, Colombo Stock Exchange CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike highlighted the value of integrating bank services with CDS systems to enhance onboarding accessibility. He explained that the ability to complete CDS account openings through the CSE mobile application marks a notable step forward in improving convenience. This type of technology-driven integration is becoming essential as markets worldwide embrace digital channels to support efficient and secure investment activities. The Seylan Bank Partnership therefore contributes meaningfully to the broader objective of creating a more investor-friendly environment backed by regulatory transparency and digital innovation.
The collaboration represents more than a procedural improvement; it is a structural enhancement to Sri Lanka’s investment ecosystem. By merging technological capability with trusted banking services, the initiative sets the stage for increased participation from global investors who require reliable mechanisms to manage and grow their portfolios. The partnership also strengthens the infrastructure supporting Inward Investment Accounts, which play a crucial role in enabling overseas investors to legally channel funds into the Sri Lankan market while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Moreover, the partnership aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s broader economic agenda, which prioritises foreign direct investment, improved capital market liquidity and integration with international markets. Simplified access mechanisms have become a competitive differentiator for markets seeking to attract global participants, especially at a time when investors prioritise regulatory clarity, efficiency and digital convenience. In this context, the Seylan Bank Partnership signals Sri Lanka’s readiness to offer a modern and responsive investment environment capable of supporting both institutional and individual investors abroad.
As digital channels and electronic onboarding continue to transform the global financial landscape, collaborations such as this will increasingly define how markets position themselves. For Sri Lanka, the integration between Seylan Bank and CDS provides a timely enhancement that strengthens trust, improves operational efficiency and supports international confidence in the market’s infrastructure. The initiative ultimately reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to raising standards, fostering innovation and enabling long-term participation from non-resident investors.
The Seylan Bank Partnership therefore stands as a forward-looking development that reinforces Sri Lanka’s direction toward greater market accessibility, stronger digital capabilities and enhanced investor experience. As the country works toward greater economic stability and international engagement, such initiatives will play an essential role in supporting growth and expanding opportunities for investors around the world.