CSE continues regional awareness drive to entrepreneurs in Negombo

Top (from left): CSE Negombo Branch Manager Nuwan Chathuranga, Atarah Capital Partners Managing Director Rohan Senewiratne

Below (from left): Acuity Partners Senior Analyst Hansinee Beddage, Chrissworld Managing Director Suraj Surwaweera 

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) successfully concluded yet another virtual forum organised as part of an awareness drive for island-wide Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The second event of the series which was held for SMEs in Negombo, drew a strong interest among the entrepreneurial community based in the region. The series of virtual forums is hosted by CSE with the objective of promoting the advantages of listing on the Empower Board. 

Acuity Partners Ltd. Senior Analyst Hansinee Beddage, Atarah Capital Partners Ltd. Managing Director Rohan Senewiratne, Chrissworld Ltd. Managing Director Suraj Surwaweera, and CSE Negombo Branch Manager Nuwan Chathuranga, made a strong case on a number of potential advantages available for SMEs through the Empower Board. The speakers further joined in a Question-and-Answer session which fostered an engaging and open conversation with the participating entrepreneurs.

Acuity Partners Ltd. Senior Analyst Hansinee Beddage elaborated on the process of listing and the relaxed policies applicable to SMEs through the Empower Board. A comprehensive comparison between the growth of listed companies and companies opting for other sources of capital were discussed. Beddage further commented on the multitude of benefits of listing, including capital acquisition for growth prospects, elevation of business value and defining the market value of the company, investor attraction, improvement of business recognition, business opportunities and regulation of business processes.

Chrissworld Ltd. Managing Director Suraj Surwaweera shared the company’s experience in the listing process. He explained the specific and demanding capital requirements of the warehousing industry and how listing on the Empower Board has benefited them. He further elaborated on the recognition among the business community and the national and international stakeholders they have attracted to the company within a short period since listing. 

As the advisors and sponsors to Empower Board’s first listing, Chrissworld Ltd., Atarah Capital Partners Ltd. Managing Director Rohan Senewiratne added that the main objective of sponsors is not to list a multitude of companies but to bring suitable companies to the correct standard to list. He further elaborated on the importance to maintain minority shareholder protection. He shared his experience in listing Chrissworld Ltd. and trusts that the company will have a successful journey ahead. 

Senewiratne explained reaching the required standard to list is not a hard process but an organised restructuring process, in order to bring the business to a better standard so that a company gains the trust of investors. 

For more information on the Empower Board and CSE visit www.cse.lk or contact CSE Head of Origination and Issuer Relations Purasisi Jinadasa.