CSE, SEC to host investor forum in Singapore tomorrow

• ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ forum in Singapore to boost foreign investment in SL capital market
• Key Govt. officials and 11 major listed companies to participate 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the stock broking industry, is set to conduct an ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ investor forum in Singapore tomorrow. 

Building on the momentum of the successful foreign investor forum held in Colombo in March this year, the initiative aims to further engage with global investors and promote Sri Lanka’s capital market as an attractive frontier investment destination.

The forum will bring together high-level Government officials, regulators, listed companies, stockbroker firms, and international investors to foster connections and promote long-term capital flows into Sri Lanka. The SEC and CSE have invited Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil J. Fernando, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake, Asia Frontier Capital Ltd., Fund Manager Ruchir Desai, and LYNEAR Wealth Management Managing Director Dr. Naveen Gunawardane to share their insights, highlighting the country’s ongoing economic reforms, financial stability, and capital market potential. SEC Chairman Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and CSE Director Ray Abeywardena will also address the forum.

11 major listed companies will be participating in the forum, highlighting the strength of Sri Lanka’s listed sector and the broader investment opportunity it represents.

Sri Lanka’s capital market has shown strong performance in recent years, with notable growth in index returns, market turnover, and capital raising activities. In 2023, the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) and S&P SL20 posted returns of 25.50% and 16.42%, respectively, followed by 49.66% and 58.46% in 2024. The momentum has continued into 2025, with increased market turnover and sustained foreign interest. The market also witnessed a net foreign inflow of $ 66.5 million in 2024 and raised a record $ 568.61 million in capital. Encouragingly, engagement from the March investor forum has translated into an uptick in foreign inflows, adding to the market’s positive trajectory.

The country continues to gain global recognition, including from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for being on the right path towards macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline.

At a current market Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.20x, Sri Lanka’s equity market remains competitively valued relative to peer markets, offering strong upside potential for investors seeking frontier market exposure.

With over 150 registered participants, they would gain access to a series of sessions offering in-depth insights into Sri Lanka’s capital markets, economic outlook, and investment opportunities, including access to engage with Sri Lanka’s top corporates. The program will also feature two high-level panel discussions. Panel 1 will focus on the outlook of the Sri Lankan economy in light of global uncertainty and will be moderated by Avril Hong from Bloomberg TV, whilst Panel 2 will cover the Sri Lankan equity market outlook and will be moderated by Farringdon Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Ana Isabel Gonzales. Leading experts will share their perspectives on macroeconomic trends, market performance, and future growth opportunities. 

These sessions will highlight the resilience and potential of the market, showcasing recent policy reforms, improved infrastructure, and a robust ecosystem that supports sustainable investment. 

The conclusion of Sri Lanka’s international debt restructuring has improved the sovereign credit rating, reducing default risk and enhancing confidence in new issuances. 

Against the backdrop of significant reforms and positive economic developments, the Sri Lankan capital market is conducive to attracting investment and creating opportunities for institutional investors and fund managers globally.