Unit Trust industry stable in February; posts 4% YoY AUM growth to Rs. 609 b

Thursday, 26 March 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Unit Trust industry of Sri Lanka reported assets under management (AUM) of Rs. 609 billion, up 4% year-on-year (YoY) and

largely unchanged compared to the previous month. These assets are currently managed across 85 funds by 16 management companies.

The Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka (UTASL) in a statement said AUM was supported by flows to equity-related funds, which doubled doubled YoY to Rs. 68 billion. Fixed income funds, on the other hand, declined by 4.4% YoY. In addition, since 2025, there has been a gradual shift from shorter-term instruments towards more medium- to longer-term investment options, with inflows into open-ended income funds, open-ended equity index/sector funds, and open-ended growth funds (equity), alongside a decline in flows to money market funds.

During the month, the industry added 2,623 new unit holders, up 69.8% YoY, bringing the total number of unit trust investors to 149,573, which represents a 26.4% increase YoY.

Commenting on the February industry results, UTASL President and Senfin Asset Management Director/CEO Jeevan Sukumaran said: “The industry’s performance as at end-February 2026 reflects a degree of consistency, with continued activity in equity-related funds. We are also observing a gradual shift towards more balanced investment allocations across fund categories.”

He added: “As we move forward, our priority will be to build on this momentum by enhancing investor awareness, broadening access to unit trust products, and working closely with regulators and market participants to strengthen further the industry’s depth, resilience and long-term relevance within Sri Lanka’s financial landscape. In a dynamic market environment, maintaining a disciplined, long-term approach whilst reinforcing the resilience of the unit trust structure, with its focus on diversification and professional fund management, will remain key priorities for the industry.”

The UTASL is the representative body for the country’s licensed fund management companies, dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and transparency across the industry. Consisting of 16 member companies regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), the UTASL aims to popularise unit trusts and encourage Sri Lankans to prioritise long-term and professionally guided investing, in addition to short-term savings, whilst contributing to national economic growth.