SEC hails Budget capital market boost

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka expressed satisfaction with two proposals for enhancing the nation's capital market, which were included in the 2027 budget. The Chairperson of the SEC, Senior Professor Hareendra Dissabandara, announced the inclusion of the "A Share for Everyone" program and the SME Listing Support Mechanism in the government's budget framework.

These initiatives aim to increase public involvement in the capital market, enhance financial literacy, and provide businesses with greater access to capital. The "A Share for Everyone" program offers advanced-level G.C.E. students the chance to engage in the capital market and gain practical investment experience. Meanwhile, the SME Listing Support Mechanism is designed to facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in raising capital through stock market listings.

According to the SEC Chairperson, these measures will expand the investor base, bolster corporate governance, improve transparency, and create additional investment opportunities. He emphasized that Sri Lanka's capital market participation remains comparatively low, highlighting the necessity to attract new investors and encourage more businesses to participate in the market.

The Chairperson also applauded the budget allocation for implementing these programs, pledging the SEC's collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Colombo Stock Exchange, and other stakeholders to ensure their successful execution. Dissabandara emphasized that these proposals are not merely budgetary suggestions but investments in Sri Lanka's future investors, entrepreneurs, and economic growth.