Capital Markets Conference celebrates 10th anniversary with top experts next week

The cataclysmic change that the economy is undergoing has been unprecedented. There is hardly a sector that has remained unaffected by the impact of a downturn that is unparalleled in the history of a country since independence.

In the context of the capital markets, Sri Lanka had a stock market that was displaying remarkable resilience in the face of the pandemic, with indices rising to historical highs. A regular flow of IPOs, which drew immense interest across the board, has since dwindled and shed nearly all of its gains. The drop in Sovereign Ratings, caused by a default in the debt payments for the first time in the country’s history, will also pose its own challenges and could exacerbate an already dire situation. 

It is against such a backdrop that the Capital Markets Conference (CAPM) will celebrate a significant milestone; the 10th edition to be held at a time that is arguably the most momentous in the annals of history of not just the financial markets but the country, as a whole.

The event will witness speakers from many areas providing their insights on the current economy. After a hiatus of two years during which the event was hosted on a virtual platform, the 10th CAPM Conference will be held on 22 June at Hotel Ramada as a hybrid event for the very first time. This will enable foreign-based speakers to yet again feature as Sri Lanka enters a very critical stage, with the economy undergoing a change of epic proportions.

The inaugural sessions will feature two important presentations; Razeen Sally, former Professor at the world-renowned London School of Economics (LSE) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will provide an overview of the Global Economy, while CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranayake, will speak on the “Stock Market as a Catalyst.”

Several panel discussions will follow on topics of critical interest, especially in the current context.

Luminaries from a cross section of industries will speak at these sessions.

Session 1 will feature Colombo Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Sarvodaya Development Finance Chairman Channa De Silva, Janashakthi Group Managing Director, Group CEO Ramesh Schaffter, and KPMG Sri Lanka and Maldives Retired Managing Partner Reyaz Mihular, as panellists and Daily FT Editor and CEO Nisthar Cassim as moderator.

Session 2 panellists are CSE Senior Vice President, Marketing Niroshan Wijesundere, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company (MJF Group) Director Roshan Tissaaratchy, Consultant, Strategic Marketing, Business and Corporate Strategy and Customer Experience Roshan Kaluarachchi, and KPMG Sri Lanka Principal, Tax and Regulatory Suresh R.I. Perera, and Echelon Media Co-Founder and Editor Shamindra Kulamannage as moderator.

Session 3 moderated by Innovation Quotient CEO/Director Mafaz Ishaq, features INCEIF Malaysia Associate Professor Dr. Aishath Muneeza, CSE Senior Vice President, Trading Operations, Market Surveillance and Corporate Affairs Nilupa Perera, Senfin Securities CEO Ravi Abeysuriya, NDB Wealth Management CEO and Unit Trust Association President Ruwan Perera, and Atarah Capital Partners Founder/MD Rohan Senewiratne, as panellists.

The session titled Opportunities amid an Economic Reset, will see CT CLSA Securities Manager – Research Oshadha de Vas Gunasekara making a presentation titled “Opportunities amid an Economic Reset.”

The post-lunch session will include, for the very first time, a separate feature that would help first-time investors or novices in the field, with the CSE having a special booth/representation at the event. This is especially targeted at students and young professionals, who wish to incorporate listed instruments as part of their burgeoning asset portfolios. Anyone wishing to participate could register separately for this segment at specially discounted rates and could contact the organisers at UTO EduConsult Ltd. on 0773 501 246.