CSE-SEC conduct informative workshops for current investors
Monday, 27 January 2014 00:00
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The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) along with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) held a workshop for the benefit of a select group of nearly 350 investors from all parts of the country. The program was held at the Taj Samudra hotel on 25 January and featured sessions in two languages.
The morning session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. was conducted in English while the afternoon session was from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and conducted in Sinhala. The event featured a line-up of speakers from the CSE, SEC and independent financial experts; Chief Financial Officer at Brandix Lanka Hasitha Premaratne and Director/CEO of Candor Equities Ltd. Ravi Abeysooriya, who provided investors with a wide variety of information on the capital market.
Premaratne, during the English session, began by explaining the potential value of the market to participants and a similar presentation was made by Abeysooriya during the Sinhala session. Investors were also made aware of the regulatory role of the SEC and the way it functions to provide investors with a safe, secure and equalised environment in which to invest.
The event educated shareholders on the manner in which investment should be carried out through the aid of unit trusts or stock brokers. The program also explained to investors the many ways, they could diversify their investment portfolios to maximise gains and minimise losses.
In conclusion the program featured a question and answer session where a panel comprising of Manager Research (CSE) Nishantha Hewawithana, Assistant Director – External Relations (SEC) Tushara Jayaratne, representatives from the Colombo Stock Brokers Association, Director Institutional Sales (Asia Securities) Manjula Kumarasinghe and Vice President for Business Development Thakshila Hulangamuwa (Asha Phillip Securities Ltd.), and the independent financial experts, responded to questions from the audience.
Those present made inquiries with regards to the safest stocks in which to invest and how an investor should analyse the financial statements of a company to ensure that he or she would make a sound and healthy long-term investment decision.
The program wound-up with refreshments and fellowship which allowed participants to mingle with CSE and SEC officials to gather more information or clarify any areas of doubt or interest.
“As much as the CSE is focused on attracting new investors we are also concerned with ensuring that our existing investors are given the necessary information to enable them to make the right investment decisions. The CSE believes that a well-informed investor is able to earn returns while similarly being a valuable asset to the market and listed companies,” CSE Head of Market Development Niroshan Wijesundere said in his closing remarks.
