SLEIS 2025 will place the spotlight on Sri Lanka’s capital markets as a powerful engine for economic growth, aiming to attract both local and international investors to strengthen long-term market confidence and sustainable financing.
SLEIS 2025 highlights capital markets as key to driving investment and sustainable development
The Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025 (SLEIS 2025) is set to position the country’s capital markets at the forefront of national economic development. Organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the two-day event will take place on December 2–3 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, bringing together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore strategies for unlocking Sri Lanka’s growth potential.
Day One of SLEIS 2025 will focus on a pivotal theme — “Capital Markets: Catalyst for Growth” — emphasizing how well-structured equity and debt markets can drive investment, stimulate growth, and reinforce market confidence. The discussion will analyze how capital markets can serve as the bridge between financial resources and high-impact economic transformation.
According to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the session aims to generate actionable insights on raising capital, encouraging market re-rating, and promoting regulatory frameworks that support new listings and attract investors. With Sri Lanka now entering a crucial stage of economic stabilization, these discussions are expected to highlight the financial sector’s vital role in mobilizing capital for both private enterprises and public infrastructure.
A key segment of the session will feature a detailed exploration of opportunities for emerging and established companies to access funding through the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and corporate bond markets. The agenda includes strategies to enhance investor participation, develop innovative financial instruments, and showcase high-potential enterprises capable of delivering long-term value to shareholders.
Delivering the keynote address will be Ruchir Desai, Co-Fund Manager of the AFC Asia Frontier Fund based in Hong Kong. Desai, who has extensive experience in managing investments across Bangladesh, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, is expected to provide a global investor’s perspective on how frontier markets like Sri Lanka can attract sustained capital inflows. His insights are anticipated to guide policymakers and market participants in aligning local practices with international standards.
The panel discussion will bring together some of Sri Lanka’s most influential financial leaders. Among them are Senaka Kakiriwaragodage, Chief Executive Officer of NDB Capital Holdings Limited; Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange; Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of Commercial Bank of Ceylon; and Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director and CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC. The session will be moderated by Vindhya Jayasekara, CEO Designate of the Colombo Stock Exchange, who is expected to steer a dynamic conversation on the future trajectory of the country’s capital markets.
The panel is likely to address several pressing questions: How can Sri Lanka expand its investor base amid global uncertainty? What policy reforms can facilitate increased listings and liquidity? And most importantly, how can domestic capital be mobilized effectively to support sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and renewable energy?
With renewed optimism following recent macroeconomic stabilization efforts, the conversation is also expected to examine innovative financing mechanisms that could help Sri Lanka reduce reliance on foreign borrowing. Experts anticipate that the summit will advocate for stronger capital market governance, better investor education, and deeper collaboration between regulators and the private sector.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has positioned SLEIS 2025 as a key platform to bridge dialogue between the government, investors, and businesses. The ultimate goal is to position Sri Lanka as a competitive investment destination in the South Asian region. Participants will gain exposure to global perspectives while exploring practical frameworks for financial innovation and inclusive growth.
This year’s theme underscores a growing consensus among financial leaders: Sri Lanka’s recovery depends on the vitality of its capital markets. As investor confidence strengthens, SLEIS 2025 is expected to deliver a roadmap that combines policy reform, innovation, and investor engagement — essential ingredients for a more resilient economy.
Registrations for SLEIS 2025 are now open at the official event website, hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.