National Capital Markets Symposium to convene legal, regulatory and financial leaders

BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya

Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC

National Capital Markets Symposium Chairperson Ayanthi Abeyawickrama

National Capital Markets Symposium Co-Chairperson Renuke Wijayawardhane

SEC Chairman Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) will host the National Capital Markets Symposium on 26 February 2026 at the Cumulus Ballroom, Cinnamon Life, bringing together leading regulators, legal practitioners, policymakers and market participants for a full-day forum on the future of Sri Lanka’s capital markets. 

The event aims to strengthen understanding of the legal, regulatory and institutional framework governing Sri Lanka’s securities market, while encouraging dialogue between the legal profession, regulators, listed entities and investors. The symposium is expected to serve as a platform to examine emerging risks, enforcement challenges and the evolving role of governance in maintaining market confidence.

The program is structured around five thematic sessions addressing key pillars of market stability and growth. Discussions will begin with the regulatory objectives and functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Colombo Stock Exchange, including investor protection, supervision of intermediaries, market surveillance and enforcement mechanisms. 

Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya said: “Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery and works to restore investor confidence, the integrity of our capital markets is of critical importance. A predictable legal framework, effective enforcement and high standards of governance are essential to sustainable growth. Through this symposium, BASL seeks to foster meaningful dialogue that strengthens regulatory clarity, enhances accountability and supports the long-term development of our securities market”.  

Subsequent sessions will explore the role of listing in capital formation, including new listing requirements, issuer obligations and practical compliance considerations. Panels will also examine how transparency, timely disclosure and fair trading practices contribute to orderly and efficient markets. 

The afternoon sessions will focus on two of the most sensitive areas of securities law enforcement: insider trading and market manipulation. These discussions will cover the elements of trading offences, categories of insiders, price-sensitive information, defences, and enforcement trends, alongside analysis of abusive practices such as wash trades, false market activity, hype-driven price movements and other forms of manipulative conduct. 

National Capital Markets Symposium Chairperson Ayanthi Abeyawickrama said: “It has been often quoted that ‘successful investment hinges on long term discipline, patience and emotional control; often  described as transferring wealth from the impatient to the patient’. Knowing the rules and the law relating to the securities market will just give you that. The symposium is expected to be particularly relevant to lawyers engaged in corporate, commercial and financial regulation; compliance officers and listed companies; stockbrokers and investment advisers; regulators and policymakers; and academics and students specialising in financial law. By bringing together legal expertise with regulatory and market perspectives, the forum seeks to promote a more transparent, accountable and resilient capital market ecosystem in Sri Lanka. 

“The symposium is not only relevant for lawyers, listed companies and to all those who are providing services to the securities industry but is relevant  to all investors  present and the future and to all companies who are contemplating  accessing the public for their capital requirements as well. Very often one is made aware of the applicable law and rules only when they are caught for flouting them. A good knowledge of the applicable rules and the law governing the securities market is an important tool to be armed with when treading into the securities market. It is a vital part of the discipline one must have for successful investment”. 

The symposium is expected to be particularly relevant to lawyers engaged in corporate, commercial and financial regulation; compliance officers and listed companies; stockbrokers and investment advisers; regulators and policymakers; and academics and students specialising in financial law. By bringing together legal expertise with regulatory and market perspectives, the forum seeks to promote a more transparent, accountable and resilient capital market ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

National Capital Markets Symposium Co-Chairperson Renuke Wijayawardhane said: “As capital becomes increasingly global and dynamic, the Capital Markets Symposium will foster vital dialogue among market participants, policymakers and thought leaders. By sharing insights, best practices, and innovative approaches, the symposium will strengthen investor confidence, promote transparency, and reinforce the sound regulatory frameworks essential for sustainable market growth. In an era of rapid financial innovation, such engagement ensures that our markets remain resilient, trustworthy, and positioned to unlock long-term opportunities for all stakeholders”.

With participation from senior officials of the SEC and CSE, leading practitioners and financial sector representatives, the event reflects growing recognition that strong legal and institutional frameworks are essential to attracting investment, protecting investors and sustaining economic growth.

The Symposium’s official newspaper partner is the Daily FT, Newsfirst serves as the electronic media partner, NCAP Group is the Platinum Partner, and the Colombo Stock Exchange and the Securities Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka serve as Strategic Partners for the event.