Serendib Frontier Capital (Pvt) Ltd (Serendib), a Colombo-based boutique corporate finance advisory firm, has launched Future Her, a school-based initiative designed to strengthen financial literacy, confidence and leadership skills among young women.
The programme’s inaugural Financial Literacy Forum was held on 18 September 2026 at Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya in Kiribathgoda, bringing together Advanced Level students, prefects and student leaders.
As part of the initiative, Serendib donated educational resources to the school and established the Future Her Financial Leadership Club. The club will sustain the programme through student-led activities, peer learning, leadership development, mentorship and professional exposure.
At the forum, Sandali Sudasinghe, Lecturer in the Department of Finance at the University of Kelaniya, addressed key topics including budgeting, saving, banking, digital finance and responsible financial decision-making.
Niluka Jayasinghe, Founder and Managing Director of Global Bookkeeping Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, shared her experience of building a Sri Lankan knowledge-export business serving international clients, highlighting the opportunities available to young people in the global economy.
“Building financial confidence and leadership skills at school level can help young women shape their own futures, and Sri Lanka’s economy,” said Niyomi Pushpakumara, Managing Director of Serendib.
The initiative seeks to address the gap between Sri Lanka’s educational achievements and women’s participation in economic activity. According to the 2024 census, female literacy stood at 97.0%. However, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and International Finance Corporation Financial Literacy Survey conducted in 2021 found that financial literacy among women was 55.2%, compared with 61.1% among men.
Women’s participation in the labour force also remains significantly lower than that of men. In 2025, female labour force participation stood at 32.4%, compared with 69.1% for men, leaving approximately 6.19 million women outside the labour force.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s ageing population adds to the importance of expanding women’s economic participation. People aged 60 and above accounted for 18.0% of the population in 2024, up from 12.4% in 2012, making greater economic participation increasingly important for both national productivity and gender equality.
While financial education alone cannot eliminate barriers such as care responsibilities, transport constraints, workplace conditions and limited employment opportunities, Serendib aims to equip girls from an early age to understand money, assess opportunities and make informed decisions. The programme also seeks to encourage them to envision themselves as future professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders.
“Creating value and impact goes beyond financial transactions. Future Her is one way Serendib contributes to Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic future,” said Kavinda Dassanayake, Chief Executive Officer of Serendib.
The initiative is led by Pushpakumara, Dassanayake and Tania De Silva, Future Her Event-in-Charge.
Serendib also acknowledged the support of the school’s Principal, Mrs. M.L.M.N. Damayanthi, the Commerce Sectional Head and the teachers of Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya in launching the programme and establishing the Future Her Financial Leadership Club.
ACAP Stock Brokers Strengthens Northern Presence with New Jaffna Branch
ACAP Stock Brokers, a financial services firm operating within the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), has officially opened its newest branch in Jaffna, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy to bring professional stockbroking and investment advisory services closer to investors in the Northern Province.
The branch was inaugurated on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at 2/3, 147, Jaffna-Kankesanturai Road. The modern office is equipped to serve a diverse range of clients, from experienced market participants to individuals beginning their investment journeys, with professional guidance and support.
The expansion reflects ACAP Stock Brokers’ commitment to promoting financial inclusion and supporting regional economic growth. Under the leadership of Chairman Stefan Abeyesinhe, Managing Director Malik Fernando, Director Dr. Manil Fernando and its corporate team, the firm continues to emphasise regulatory compliance, system security and customer service.
“Our new presence in Jaffna is a testament to our belief in the immense economic potential of the region,” a company representative said. “We are thrilled to open our doors and offer the local community direct access to the capital markets, backed by expert insights and dedicated support.”
The Jaffna branch offers a range of services, including real-time market insights and secure trading facilities. Designed to meet the standards of the financial services sector, the office aims to provide clients with a professional and accessible environment in which to explore investment opportunities.
Through its latest expansion, ACAP Stock Brokers seeks to strengthen its regional presence while enabling more investors in Northern Sri Lanka to access the country’s capital markets and make informed investment decisions.
Serendib Introduces ‘Future Her’ Initiative to Empower Schoolgirls with Financial Confidence
