SEC and CSE continue stock market awareness program by hosting investor forum in Ratnapura

Nimal Kumarasinghe, Naleen Sadeesh, and Niroshan Wijesundere 

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) in collaboration with Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently conducted an investor forum in Ratnapura at the Kethumathee Hotel, New Town – Ratnapura. 

The forum was organised with the objective of raising awareness on investor protection as well as the importance of investor education on the investment opportunities that exist in the stock market. The forum attracted over 170 participants, providing valuable insights to both potential and existing investors in the region. 

At the investor forum, CSE Ratnapura Branch Executive Lasantha Kumara provided the attendees with a basic knowledge of investments, encompassing the process of investing as well as the pros and cons of investing in the stock market. 

Educating investors on the role of the SEC in the market, as well as diving into the intricacies of investor protection, SEC Manager of External Relations Nimal Kumarasinghe addressed the gathering. Next, a session to create awareness on the CSE Mobile App was conducted by a representative of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Shanika Ramanayake. 

Furthermore, an analysis of the sectoral performance and market opportunities was presented by Asset Trust Management Ltd. Equity Fund Manager Naleen Sadeesh.

Conducting an Introduction to Unit Trust Investment, Ceybank Asst. Fund Manager Kavindya Asoka addressed the attendees as well.

Bringing the forum to a close, an interactive panel discussion was held with the participation of 

Nimal Kumarasinghe, Naleen Sadeesh, and CSE Senior Vice President of Marketing Niroshan Wijesundere, providing an opportunity for participants to clarify any doubts from the panellists. 

The participants were also given the opportunity to meet Investment Advisors from stock brokerage firms.

The SEC and CSE have planned more investor forums for the year 2024 in locations such as Bandarawela, Gampaha, Matara and Colombo, in order to create awareness about investor education and protection whilst emphasising the importance of financial literacy.