Thriving through change: Key insights from Softlogic Stockbrokers Investor Forum 2025

By Michelle Therese Alles

Adaptability is key to sustainable growth. The Investor Forum 2025, organised by Softlogic Stockbrokers, provided a vital platform for industry leaders, financial experts, and investors to participate in meaningful discussions on navigating the complexities of the contemporary investment landscape. 

Themed ‘Thriving through change & rising strong’, the forum provided deep insights into Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, equity markets, and cross-industry financial implications.

In his keynote address, Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana outlined the country’s progress since the 2022 economic crisis. He emphasised that Sri Lanka’s GDP growth had reached 5% in 2024, marking a significant turnaround from years of contraction. He credited fiscal discipline, debt restructuring, and IMF-backed reforms for stabilising inflation, which had once soared to 70%, and bringing down interest rates from 30% to single digits. 

Stressing the importance of policy continuity, Siriwardana noted that Sri Lanka must maintain its reform momentum to ensure long-term economic resilience.

Addressing concerns over the IMF’s role, he clarified that Sri Lanka had voluntarily sought IMF assistance to navigate its financial crisis, and the reform measures undertaken were essential to correcting structural economic weaknesses.

“The 2025 Budget prioritises investment-driven growth, fiscal responsibility, and social welfare, with Rs. 749 billion allocated for social protection and Rs. 619 billion for education,” he said. Siriwardana urged investors to leverage the country’s improving economic indicators and contribute to Sri Lanka’s recovery through strategic investments in capital markets and key industries.

The Softlogic Stockbrokers Investor Forum 2025 provided a platform to assess key economic developments and their implications for investment opportunities. 

Moderated by Raynal Wickremeratne, the panel discussion opened by highlighting the

importance of resilience in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Brandix Lanka Limited Managing

Director Hasitha Premaratne noted that while the past years have been challenging, businesses

that focused on operational efficiency and financial prudence have managed to stay afloat.

 “Sri Lanka’s corporate sector has learned to navigate uncertainty. The key has been adapting quickly, cutting unnecessary costs, and reinvesting in productivity,” he explained. He also emphasised the role of exports in driving economic stability, adding, “If we are to achieve sustainable growth, we must expand our export footprint and diversify beyond traditional markets.”

Citibank, N.A. Head of Treasury Saneth Gamage provided insights into the financial sector’s role in supporting economic transformation. He acknowledged the global economic headwinds but remained cautiously optimistic about Sri Lanka’s prospects. “Liquidity management and risk mitigation are critical for both investors and businesses right now,” he stated. Gamage also pointed out the importance of digital transformation in financial services, stating, “The adoption of fintech and AI-driven analytics is reshaping how we approach investment strategies in the evolving financial landscape.”

Hemas Holdings Group Chief Financial Officer Moiz Rehmanjee spoke about the broader implications of economic reforms on Sri Lanka’s corporate sector. He underscored the importance of policy consistency, noting, “Investors crave stability. The more predictable and transparent our policies are, the easier it is to attract long-term investments.” He also touched on the role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in corporate decision-making. “Companies that integrate sustainability into their business models will be the ones to succeed in the future. Investors are increasingly looking at ESG metrics when making decisions,” he said.

The discussion concluded with the panel emphasising that despite prevailing economic challenges, Sri Lanka has a significant opportunity to rebuild—contingent on the commitment of both businesses and policymakers to sustainable and forward-thinking strategies.

As Sri Lanka moves towards economic recovery, forums of this nature play a pivotal role in facilitating informed decision-making among investors. By providing insights from industry leaders, the event highlighted the necessity of adaptability and strategic expansion in an increasingly dynamic investment landscape.

With upgrading Sri Lanka’s sovereign credit rating and the Colombo Stock Exchange trading at a notable discount compared to regional markets, the event aimed to educate stakeholders on emerging trends, policy directions, and strategies to maximise market potential. By bringing together industry experts, the forum sought to enhance investor confidence, facilitate meaningful discussions, and foster networking, equipping participants with data-driven insights into the financial landscape of 2025 and beyond.

Softlogic Stockbrokers Co-Head of Research Shadini Silva delivered a compelling presentation

on Sri Lanka’s equity market and macroeconomic trends, providing investors with a

comprehensive overview of the country’s financial landscape. 

She highlighted Sri Lanka’s resilient economic recovery, with GDP projected to grow by +5% YoY in 2024, surpassing IMF targets and reinforcing the nation’s financial discipline. Silva also emphasised the positive impact of external debt restructuring, which led to credit rating upgrades in December 2024, signalling improved investor confidence. 

Additionally, she discussed the steady decline in treasury bill yields since Q3 2022, which has fuelled increased participation in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). With the All Share Price Index (ASPI) expected to surpass LKR 6 trillion in market capitalisation by the end of 2025, her insights highlighted the investment potential within Sri Lanka’s stock market, particularly given its 30% discount compared to regional markets. Her presentation laid the foundation for in-depth discussions on market opportunities and strategies to leverage the country’s economic recovery.

- Pix by Ruwan Walpola