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), has concluded a series of issuer forums held in Anuradhapura and Jaffna on 10 and 12 September.
The forums formed part of an ongoing island-wide initiative aimed at increasing awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about opportunities available through Sri Lanka’s capital market and alternative avenues for raising capital.
The sessions provided SME participants with insights into strengthening their businesses and accessing capital market opportunities to support future growth. Participants were also introduced to the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards Programme, while discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining sound financial management practices to support sustainable business development.
The forums also provided participants with a broader understanding of the capital-raising process, including Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), regulatory requirements and succession planning for family-owned businesses. The opportunities available through the CSE’s Empower Board were also discussed as an avenue for SMEs seeking to participate in the capital market.
Interactive panel discussions formed the concluding segment of the forums, allowing participants to engage directly with industry professionals and seek practical guidance on expanding their businesses and preparing for capital market participation.
The panel brought together representatives from the SEC, CSE, CA Sri Lanka, professional services firms and the investment banking sector. Speakers included SEC Managers, Corporate Affairs, Samanthi Gunawardana and Marian Sandanam; Senior Vice President, Commercial, CSE, Punyamali Saparamadu; Branch Manager for CSE Jaffna, Shanmukananthan Sabananthan; Manager – Commercial, CSE, Himashi Wickramasinghe; Managing Partner at JA Partners, Somasuriyasingham Janarthanan (FCA/FCMA); Partner at Ernst & Young, Rasika Fernando; Vice President of CA Sri Lanka, Anoji De Silva; Associate Director at Deloitte Sri Lanka, Krishnaveny Karmegam; and Investment Banking Analysts at Asia Securities, Tharusha Wickramarachchi and Neshigan Ganeshan.
The issuer forums are part of the broader efforts by the CSE, SEC and CA Sri Lanka to strengthen awareness of capital market participation among businesses outside the Western Province and provide SMEs with greater access to knowledge and guidance on financing and business growth.
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