The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), successfully concluded a series of issuer forums in Anuradhapura and Jaffna on 10 and 12 September, respectively.
The forums were part of an ongoing island-wide initiative focused on increasing awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about capital market opportunities and alternative avenues for raising capital.
The sessions provided SME participants with practical insights into strengthening their businesses, accessing new growth opportunities and leveraging the capital market to support long-term expansion. Participants were also introduced to the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards Programme, while highlighting the importance of sound financial management practices in building sustainable businesses.
The forums further provided an overview of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), regulatory requirements, succession planning for family-owned enterprises and opportunities available through the CSE’s Empower Board.
The programmes concluded with interactive panel discussions, enabling participants to engage directly with industry experts, address their concerns and gain practical guidance on scaling their businesses and preparing for potential participation in the capital market.
EDB Hosts Sri Lanka’s First-Ever National Pavilion at Fine Food Australia 2026
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, successfully organised Sri Lanka’s first-ever national pavilion at Fine Food Australia 2026, held from 31 August to 3 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
The landmark participation marked a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in the Australian food and beverage market, providing a dedicated platform for local exporters to showcase their products, connect with international buyers and explore new commercial opportunities.
Spanning 90 square metres, the Sri Lanka Pavilion featured 12 food and beverage companies, bringing together established exporters and emerging small and medium-sized enterprises. The exhibitors presented a diverse portfolio of Sri Lankan products, including Ceylon Tea and coffee, Ceylon Cinnamon and spices, coconut-based products, processed foods and beverages, seafood and processed fishery products, bakery products, frozen foods, fruits, rice-based beverages, natural and herbal products and other value-added food products.
The participating companies were Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd, Perera and Sons Bakers (Pvt) Ltd, Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd, Coconut Taprobane (Pvt) Ltd, Sobako Products (Pvt) Ltd, Derana Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd, K & D Foods International (Pvt) Ltd, HJS Condiments Limited, Ocean Foods Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, Saya International Tea and Food Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Tradlanka Agricultural Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, and Ceylon Coco Infresh (Pvt) Ltd.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion was officially inaugurated by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, alongside EDB officials, representatives of Sri Lankan chamber associations in Melbourne and participating companies.
Over the four-day exhibition, the Pavilion attracted significant interest from Australian and international importers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators and other industry professionals. The participating Sri Lankan companies engaged with potential business partners, presented their product portfolios, conducted business-to-business discussions and explored opportunities for market access, distribution and sourcing partnerships.
The participation at Fine Food Australia 2026 provided Sri Lankan exporters with an important opportunity to strengthen international business connections and expand their reach within the Australian food and beverage sector.
Anuradhapura and Jaffna SMEs Explore Alternative Capital-Raising Opportunities
