The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, successfully hosted an investor forum on January 24, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center. Additionally, a meeting was arranged with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s primary sovereign wealth fund.

The forum aimed to engage the vibrant Sri Lankan expatriate community in Saudi Arabia and international investors, showcasing the attractive opportunities within Sri Lanka’s capital market. This comes after the country’s successful exit from sovereign default and the restoration of macroeconomic stability.

Several high-ranking policy officials, market leaders, and regulators attended the event, including Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL); Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; H.E. Ameer Ajwad, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the SEC; Mr. Ray Abeywardena, Director of CSE; and Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lynear Wealth Management.

In his welcome address, H.E. Ameer Ajwad emphasized the opportunity to broaden public participation in Sri Lanka’s capital market, noting that financial literacy and investment awareness among potential investors are limited. The forum served as a platform for first-time investors, overseas investors, and those seeking to enhance their knowledge to learn about prudent investment, risk management, and wealth-building strategies. He invited participants to leverage the presence of high-level authorities from Sri Lanka’s key financial institutions to explore investment opportunities that contribute to the country’s resilience and long-term prosperity.

CSE Director Ray Abeywardena highlighted the market’s performance, stating, “The All-Share-Price-Index (ASPI) has experienced exponential growth and today sits over 23,800 points, representing a staggering 120% growth since October 2024, post the Presidential Election.” He added that capital gains in the market are tax-free, presenting a lucrative opportunity for investors.

Discussing regional performance, Abeywardena noted, “In 2025, the CSE was the 3rd best performing market in the region, demonstrating resilience and robust growth, with a 42% increase in the ASPI and over 26% in the S&P SL20.” Despite this, he pointed out that the CSE remains undervalued compared to regional peers, offering a compelling investment proposition.

Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the SEC, explained the strategic decision to host the forum in Dubai to engage the Sri Lankan diaspora and present investment opportunities. He outlined the SEC’s core mandates of protecting investor interests, promoting market development, and ensuring effective oversight, emphasizing a commitment to fostering a transparent and inclusive capital market ecosystem.

In a video address, Hon. Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, highlighted Sri Lanka’s stabilization and strong performance in 2025, noting achievements in political governance and economic recovery. He reported that macroeconomic and microeconomic indicators exceeded expectations, with strong public financial discipline maintaining market stability.

Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, discussed Sri Lanka’s transition into rapid economic growth, driven by legal and technology-driven reforms to improve business conditions. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic position as a regional economic hub, supported by Port City Colombo and expanding maritime capabilities, and invited global investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the CBSL, presented Sri Lanka’s economic outlook for 2026 and beyond, projecting growth near 5% for 2025, with potential increasing to 6-7% through ongoing reforms. He announced that foreign reserves would reach USD 8 billion by year-end, emphasizing a stable, flexible exchange rate regime that mitigates balance of payment crisis risks.

Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lynear Wealth Management, spoke on “Sri Lanka Equities: Navigating the Next Phase of Growth,” highlighting IMF-supported reforms that have created conditions for extended macro stability. He noted that Sri Lanka’s equity market remains undervalued and under-invested by foreign investors, with significant growth potential.

The forum featured a high-level panel discussion themed “Sri Lanka Equity Market Outlook,” moderated by Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of the CSE. Panelists shared insights on the market’s resilience and potential, showcasing policy reforms and improved investment infrastructure. Participants had the opportunity to network with leading stock brokering firms and directly engage with the CSE and SEC.

This forum is part of a series of strategic engagements to expand dialogue with international and diaspora investors. Following a recent forum in Dubai, the Riyadh event reflects growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic revival and capital market prospects, offering direct access to long-term investment avenues through the CSE.