The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka – USA Business Council (SLUSABC), hosted an insightful session titled “Leveraging Diverse Capital Solutions: A Pathway to Business Agility and Resilience” at Shangri-La Colombo.
The event brought together key stakeholders exploring opportunities within Sri Lanka’s capital market, with a focus on the listing process, its benefits, and associated challenges. Engaging close to 80 attendees, including entrepreneurs and industry professionals, the event provided valuable insights into diverse capital solutions and their role in enhancing business agility and resilience.
Delivering the opening remarks, Mr. Charithra Hettiarachchi, President of the Sri Lanka – USA Business Council and CEO of Wichy Plantation Company PVT LTD, stated, “As the Sri Lanka – USA Business Council, we remain committed to strengthening trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and the United States. The U.S. continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s key trading partners, and we see tremendous potential to enhance collaboration, attract foreign direct investment, and foster a business environment that enables growth. By embracing diverse capital solutions, our enterprises can build greater financial agility, allowing them to navigate economic uncertainties while capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.”
In his keynote speech, Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the SEC mentioned, “Regulation is key, but so is market development. The regulator’s isolation has hindered progress, which is why we are strengthening collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange —the market operator—and all key capital market stakeholders.”
He added, “Sri Lanka has over-relied on debt, now at 113% of GDP, to fund projects—many of which remain underutilized. Capital markets, in contrast, ensure investment flows to viable projects. For sustained growth, we need more liquidity, investments, and listings. I encourage all stakeholders to explore these opportunities and support more companies in going public.”
The main presentation, titled “Navigating Capital Markets: Funding Your Growth and Exploring the CSE,” was delivered by Mr. Ashvanth Vijayaram, Senior Vice President and Head of Equity Capital Markets at Capital Alliance Partners Limited, providing insights into capital market dynamics and available funding options.
The forum also featured a panel discussion titled “Journey towards a Listing; Benefits and Challenges.” The discussion included industry leaders, including Ms. Anika Williamson, Non-Executive Director at JAT Holdings PLC; Mr. Ashvanth Vijayaram; and Ms. Vindhya Jayasekera, CEO Designate of the Colombo Stock Exchange. Moderated by Mr. Nisthar Cassim, Editor of the Daily Financial Times, the panel provided invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that companies face when navigating the listing process.
The session also included an interactive Q&A, where participants had the opportunity to pose questions to the panellists, further enhancing the knowledge-sharing experience.
This initiative reflects the continuous efforts of these organizations to facilitate the development of a dynamic capital market ecosystem in Sri Lanka, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions in the evolving economic landscape.
To drive growth in the Sri Lankan economy, it is essential to create value, which can be achieved through capital formation, supported by both debt and equity investments. The capital market serves as the most appropriate avenue for financing this growth. We invite all potential businesses to tap into these opportunities, contributing to the growth and value creation of the Sri Lankan economy as a whole.
