Samata Kotasak, Samata Ekakayak forums draw large crowds in Anuradhapura & Jaffna

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently hosted investor forums in Anuradhapura and Jaffna, as part of their 'A Share for Everyone, A Unit for Everyone' initiative. The forums took place on September 10th and September 12th, respectively, at the Golden Mango and Tilko Jaffna City Hotel. Over 600 participants attended the events in both cities.

The 'A Share for Everyone, A Unit for Everyone' concept, introduced by SEC Chairman Sen. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara in July, seeks to promote a shared commitment to wealth creation and value within a fair, efficient, orderly, and transparent capital market. The initiative aims to broaden investor participation, particularly in the Western Province, by enhancing investor education and awareness through regular forums.

Niroshan Wijesundera, Executive Vice President of Marketing at CSE, explained that while Sri Lankan investors traditionally favor conventional investment options, the capital market has historically offered higher returns. By gradually investing small amounts through professionally managed vehicles like unit trusts, both novice and experienced investors can participate in the market and benefit from its potential for higher returns.

Additionally, capital market investments are tax-free, making them an attractive option for investors.

Wijesundera highlighted Sri Lanka's resilient capital market, which has maintained a low Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.03x compared to global standards. The market has shown remarkable resilience during global market corrections and various crises, including the Middle Eastern crisis, past shocks, the war, COVID-19, the economic downturn, and the fuel crisis.