CFA Society Sri Lanka (CFASSL) marked its 25th anniversary by ringing the Market Opening Bell at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) trading floor, alongside the issuance of a commemorative cover and stamp by the Postmaster General of Sri Lanka. The event highlights the Society’s 25-year contribution to developing Sri Lanka’s investment profession and financial services sector.
Established in 2001, CFA Society Sri Lanka is part of the global CFA Institute network of member societies and is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of CFA charterholders and candidates in the country. The Society comprises over 250 CFA charterholders, including CEOs, CFOs, portfolio managers, analysts, banking professionals, and investment advisors, while also supporting around 500 candidates pursuing the CFA Programme.
CFASSL promotes globally recognised qualifications offered by the CFA Institute, including the CFA Program and the Certificate in Sustainable Investing. It also leads several key initiatives such as the CFA Institute Research Challenge (now in its 19th edition), the CFA Society Sri Lanka Capital Market Awards, and financial literacy programmes conducted with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange in all three national languages. The Society also actively promotes sustainable finance through industry workshops and seminars.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rashmi Peiris Paranavitane said that ringing the opening bell at the CSE to mark the 25th anniversary is a significant milestone reflecting the evolution of Sri Lanka’s investment profession over the past two decades. She reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards, nurturing future professionals, and supporting a transparent and resilient capital market.
CFASSL continues to work closely with the Colombo Stock Exchange, which has served as its Platinum Partner for eight consecutive years.
JAAF Says Rupee Movement Driven by Global Pressures, Not Economic Weakness, Boosts Export Competitiveness
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has said that the recent depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee should be understood in the context of broader global economic pressures, rather than being interpreted as a sign of domestic economic weakness.
JAAF pointed to factors such as ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising global fuel prices, and increased shipping costs as key drivers influencing currency movements across multiple economies.
The association noted that this view aligns with recent remarks by Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, who emphasized that exchange rate movements alone should not be used as the sole indicator of a country’s economic performance, as depreciation can also have positive economic effects.
The Central Bank Governor further highlighted that Sri Lanka is not facing these pressures in isolation. In recent weeks, several regional currencies have also weakened, including the Indian rupee, Nepalese rupee, and Indonesian rupiah, driven by factors such as higher oil prices, capital outflows, and a stronger US dollar. This indicates that currency depreciation is currently a regional and global trend rather than a Sri Lanka-specific crisis, unlike the situation seen in 2022.
JAAF Chairman Felix Fernando stated that the current movement of the rupee should be viewed within this broader global context. He emphasized that a weaker rupee, if managed with stability and discipline, can enhance export competitiveness and strengthen Sri Lanka’s external position.
He further noted that a more competitive exchange rate can benefit key export sectors such as apparel by improving price competitiveness in global markets, supporting job retention and increasing foreign exchange earnings. He added that exporters play a crucial role in strengthening reserves and supporting economic recovery.
JAAF also stressed the importance of maintaining market confidence, avoiding speculative pressures, and supporting export-driven industries. The association concluded that a stable policy environment, efficient logistics, and lower operating costs—combined with a competitive exchange rate—will help Sri Lanka consolidate its economic recovery and strengthen its position in global trade.
CFA Society Sri Lanka Celebrates Silver Jubilee at Colombo Stock Exchange Trading Floor
