Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Monaragala and Batticaloa explored capital market funding opportunities at issuer forums organised by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka).
The CSE held the forums in Monaragala on July 16 and Batticaloa on July 18. The events formed part of an island-wide initiative to help SMEs understand alternative funding options and support future business growth.
Participants learned how SMEs can raise capital through the stock market. The sessions explained the process of launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and introduced the CSE’s Empower Board, which supports growing businesses.
What’s it all about?
The forums also covered the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards programme. Speakers highlighted the importance of good financial management for long-term business success.
Business owners also learned about succession planning for family businesses and the regulatory requirements for entering the capital market. These sessions gave participants a clearer understanding of how to prepare their businesses for future expansion.
Industry experts from the CSE, SEC, CA Sri Lanka and the private sector shared practical advice throughout the programme. Participants also joined panel discussions and asked questions about fundraising, business growth and listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
The CSE said the issuer forums are part of its ongoing efforts to help SMEs understand capital market financing and encourage more businesses across Sri Lanka to consider long-term funding options.
Panellists at the Monaragala Issuer Forum (L – R): Ms. Himashi Wickramasinghe, Manager – Commercial, CSE.; Mr. Lakmal Jayarathne, CEO of M Power Capital Securities Limited; Mr. Saman Sri Lal – Council member, CA Sri Lanka; Ms. Semini Kuruppu – Manager, Corporate Affairs – Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka; Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President – Commercial, CSE.
Image Caption: Members of the Batticaloa Issuer Forum Panel Discussion (L – R): Ms. Krishnaveny Karmegam, Associate Director of Deloitte Sri Lanka; Mr. Saman Sri Lal – Council member, CA Sri Lanka; Mr. Atchuthan Srirangan – Vice President – Corporate Finance & Advisory, First Capital Holdings PLC; Ms. Himashi Wickramasinghe, Manager – Commercial, CSE
Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Panel Discussion
Last modified: July 23, 2026
