Colombo Stock Exchange partners with SEC to host high-profile investor forum targeting global capital flows

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is taking its investment story to Southeast Asia, hosting an “Invest Sri Lanka” Investor Forum in Singapore on August 12, 2025. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the local stockbroking industry, represents a strategic push to capitalize on growing international interest in Sri Lanka’s recovering capital markets.

Building on Domestic Success

The Singapore forum builds on momentum from a successful foreign investor event held in Colombo in March 2025, which organizers say has already translated into increased foreign capital inflows. The overseas expansion reflects confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery narrative and the appeal of its frontier market positioning.

The event will convene high-level government officials, regulators, listed companies, stockbrokers, and international investors to explore long-term investment opportunities in Sri Lankan equities.

High-Profile Speaker Lineup

The forum’s speaker roster underscores the strategic importance Sri Lanka places on attracting foreign investment. Confirmed participants include:

• Hon. Prof. Anil J. Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development
• Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
• H.E. Senarath Dissanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore
• Ruchir Desai, Fund Manager, Asia Frontier Capital Ltd
• Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Managing Director, LYNEAR Wealth Management

Eleven major listed companies will participate, showcasing the depth of Sri Lanka’s corporate sector and available investment opportunities across key industries.

Strong Market Performance Drives Interest

Sri Lanka’s capital markets have delivered compelling returns that are likely to attract frontier market investors. The All-Share Price Index (ASPI) generated returns of 25.50% in 2023 and an impressive 49.66% in 2024. The S&P SL20 index performed even better, returning 16.42% in 2023 followed by 58.46% in 2024.

This performance has been accompanied by strong capital raising activity, with the market raising a record USD 568.61 million in 2024. Foreign investor appetite has also strengthened, resulting in net foreign inflows of USD 66.5 million last year. Market turnover has increased substantially, with the positive momentum continuing into 2025.

Attractive Valuations Amid Recovery

At a current price-to-earnings ratio of 9.20x, Sri Lankan equities trade at attractive valuations relative to regional peers, potentially offering significant upside for investors comfortable with frontier market risk profiles. The valuation discount reflects both the market’s recovery stage and its emerging market classification.

Economic Reforms Gain Recognition

Sri Lanka’s reform efforts have garnered international recognition, particularly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has acknowledged the country’s progress toward macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline. The completion of Sri Lanka’s international debt restructuring has improved sovereign credit ratings, reducing default risk and enhancing investor confidence in new capital market issuances.

Comprehensive Program Planned

Over 150 registered participants will access detailed sessions covering Sri Lanka’s capital markets, economic outlook, and specific investment opportunities. The program features two high-level panel discussions:

Panel 1: Sri Lankan Economic Outlook amid Global Uncertainty
Moderated by Avril Hong, Bloomberg TV

Panel 2: Sri Lankan Equity Market Outlook
Moderated by Ana Isabel Gonzales, Chief Investment Officer, Farringdon Asset Management

These sessions will examine macroeconomic trends, market performance, and growth opportunities while highlighting recent policy reforms, infrastructure improvements, and the investment ecosystem supporting sustainable capital flows.

Strategic Timing

The Singapore forum’s timing appears strategic, coinciding with improved global sentiment toward emerging markets and Sri Lanka’s own economic stabilization efforts. For institutional investors and fund managers seeking frontier market exposure, the event presents an opportunity to engage directly with Sri Lankan corporates and government officials driving the country’s investment strategy.

The CSE’s international outreach reflects broader efforts to position Sri Lanka as an attractive investment destination as the country emerges from its recent economic challenges with strengthened fundamentals and reformed market structures.