The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has opened its 13th branch in Gampaha, marking another step in its plan to expand access to the capital market and encourage greater investor participation across the country.
The new branch was officially opened on June 23 by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, CSE Director Sujeewa Peiris and CSE Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike, together with senior corporate and public sector officials.
The opening of the Gampaha branch forms part of the CSE’s second phase of expansion, which aims to establish a presence in all 25 districts. The stock exchange has already completed its first phase by opening branches in every province.
With the addition of Gampaha, the CSE now operates 13 branches located in Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Negombo, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Panadura, Bandarawela, Kegalle, Galle and Gampaha.
New Services for Investors and Businesses
The Gampaha branch will provide a range of services for investors and businesses seeking access to the capital market.
These include Central Depository System (CDS) account opening facilities, access to stockbroking services offered by eight licensed stockbroker firms, investor education programmes and seminars, and guidance for businesses exploring opportunities to raise capital through the Colombo Stock Exchange.
The branch will also promote the CSE’s listing platforms, including the Empower Board, which is designed to support growing businesses seeking access to equity financing.
Supporting Business Expansion
Speaking at the opening ceremony, CSE Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike said Gampaha has considerable business potential that could benefit from greater access to the capital market.
“As one of the country’s key hubs, Gampaha businesses have strong potential to leverage the capital market for expansion,” he said.
Bandaranaike added that the CSE’s presence in Gampaha will help entrepreneurs unlock business value while creating new wealth through wider participation in the stock market.
“We are opening the doors for broad-basing the stock market for both entrepreneurs and investors,” he added.
Building a Larger Investor Base
SEC Chairman Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara said the SEC Act No. 19 of 2021 requires the regulator to facilitate, maintain and regulate a fair, efficient and transparent securities market.
He stressed that investor protection remains one of the SEC’s primary responsibilities alongside market development.
“While stockbrokers actively promote investment opportunities, it is equally important to safeguard the interests of investors once they enter the market,” he said.
Dissabandara also highlighted the need to broaden participation in the capital market.
Despite a national population of around 22 million, he noted that fewer than one million people actively participate in the stock market.
He said expanding access through regional branches and improving investor awareness are important steps towards increasing market participation and supporting long-term economic development.
The opening of the Gampaha branch is expected to improve access to investment services while helping more businesses and entrepreneurs use the capital market to finance future growth.
Last modified: June 26, 2026
