Written by Jiffry• September 4, 2026• 2:57 pm• Business • Views: 11

Singapore Investors Lift Stock Purchases 196% to Rs. 7.7 Billion After SEC Forum

Singapore-based investors increased their purchases of local stocks to Rs. 7.7 billion in the 12 months after the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) held its Invest Sri Lanka Forum in Singapore.

The figure rose from Rs. 2.6 billion in the 12 months before the forum. This marks a 196% increase in stock purchases from Singapore-based investors.

The SEC shared the figures in its performance “report card” from the Invest Sri Lanka Forum held on August 12, 2025.

Foreign participation still remains low

The increase comes as foreign participation in the local stock market continues to recover.

Foreign investors now account for 9% of total stock market turnover. This is up from 6% recorded in 2025.

However, foreign participation remains well below the 40% level seen before the country’s economic crisis.

The SEC sees international capital as important for expanding and strengthening the local capital market.

The Singapore figures also show that investor outreach can take time to produce results.

Investors can take up to 12 months to commit

The SEC said international investors do not usually commit funds immediately after attending promotional events.

Instead, investors can spend six to 12 months carrying out their own research and due diligence.

This can include meeting local companies, assessing market risks and studying investment opportunities before making investment decisions.

The SEC said its role therefore goes beyond regulation. It also focuses on investor education and engagement to support this process.

The Invest Sri Lanka Forums bring together the SEC, Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), stockbrokers, fund managers, listed companies and other market stakeholders.

The aim is to present a common investment case to international investors and support their decision-making process.

The SEC said the post-Singapore figures show that continued engagement with international markets can lead to measurable capital inflows.

For the local stock market, the challenge now is to build on this increase and attract a larger share of international investment over time.