The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently conducted a series of investor awareness forums across Galle, Badulla, Ratnapura, Gampaha, Kegalle, and Kuliyapitiya, as part of their ongoing efforts to broaden participation in the stock market.
The forums aimed to raise awareness on investor protection, educate the public on stock market investing, and highlight opportunities available in the capital market. Collectively, the events attracted over 800 participants, offering valuable insights to both potential and existing investors in these regions.
Each forum featured a senior SEC representative who outlined the SEC’s role in the equity market, investor protection mechanisms, and the responsibilities and conduct expected of investors and traders. Suneth Perera, Acting Director – Supervision at the SEC, addressed participants in Galle and Badulla, while Nimal Kumarasinghe, Manager – External Relations at the SEC, spoke at the forums held in Ratnapura, Gampaha, Kegalle, and Kuliyapitiya.
First-time and potential investors were also introduced to Unit Trust investments and their potential for higher returns amid the improving capital market environment.
EDB Hosts EU Inward Delegation to Promote Fair Trade Products and Strengthen Bilateral Ties
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels, successfully organised an inward trade delegation comprising 12 Fair Trade product importers and representatives from the European Union, from 17 to 22 November 2025. The initiative aimed to promote Sri Lankan Fair Trade products while strengthening bilateral trade relations between Sri Lanka and the EU.
The delegation included representatives from key European markets such as Belgium, France, and Italy. Notably, Colruyt Group, a leading Belgian retail chain, participated alongside seven other EU representatives, highlighting strong interest in Sri Lanka’s Fair Trade offerings. The Embassy in Brussels further enhanced the programme by facilitating the participation of officers from National Federation Organisations (NFOs), including Fair Trade Italy, Fair Trade Belgium, and Fair Trade France, all of which maintain established commercial relationships to expand Fair Trade-certified sales in their respective markets.
The programme commenced on 17 November 2025 at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, with an opening ceremony followed by a networking session that brought together EU delegates, Sri Lankan exporters, certification bodies, and relevant government institutions. From 18 to 22 November, the EDB arranged tailor-made visits enabling Sri Lankan producers and exporters to engage directly with the visiting buyer delegation. The programme featured B2B meetings, field visits to processing facilities and farmer clusters, and forums designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and explore potential business opportunities. In addition, the EDB organised meetings with relevant government institutions and certification bodies to discuss key aspects such as monitoring systems, traceability maintenance, and government support mechanisms available to Fair Trade producers.
SEC and CSE Continue Drive to Broaden Sri Lanka’s Stock Market Base
