The CSE is expected to build on its strong performance last year and is set to rank as the world’s second-best performing stock market in dollar terms in early 2025, according to MarketWatch.
In 2024, the CSE delivered a 50% return on the overall stock price index, behind only Pakistan. The exchange’s equity raising is Rs 2.8 billion, with Rs 94 billion raised through debt issues, Rs 63 billion through equity issues and Rs 14 billion through private placements.
“We had a very good year. I think the start of this year has also been excellent. We have seen high turnover levels, usually sometimes more than Rs 3 billion, but this has come down a bit,” CSE Chairman Dilshan Weerasekara told reporters this week.
The overall market was in a bearish state in the first half of 2025.
“For 2025, the market could probably be flat but I think that’s part of the picture again,” Weerasekara said, adding that as long as investor activity remains fundamentally strong, the university stock exchange is not concerned about short-term fluctuations.
He stressed that the exchange is focused on liquidity and access for investors, saying there are no major concerns when the market fluctuates.
“The proper systems and controls we have in place ensure good trading conditions and provide liquidity for an investor to enter or exit the market,” he found.
Key initiatives for 2025 include modernizing financial reporting, improving oversight and accelerating digital transformation. The introduction of XBR-based reporting is expected to streamline corporate disclosures, while an artificial intelligence-based monitoring system aims to identify unusual trading activities.
“We are pursuing a top-notch, best-in-class standard that will enhance investor confidence,” Weerasekara said.
The CSE is working on digitalizing online banking and trading platforms to enhance investor access to market data and tools.
With an aim to attract foreign investors, the Stock Exchange of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is set to host the 2025 Invest Sri Lanka Capital Markets Investor Forum to be held in Colombo from March 27 to 28.
The event will bring together foreign institutional investors, local industrial managers and industry leaders and foster partnerships for food growth.
The leaders of the stock exchanges of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives will be participating for the first time, sharing insights and insights. Border markets including Sri Lanka will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation.
This is the first time that the four border markets of the southern region have come together for an investment fair.
Weerasekara positioned Sri Lanka as an advanced country among its regional peers, presenting a compelling case for investment.
“I told you Sri Lanka stands out. I have been to all these markets and I can tell you that not only are we the cheapest, but we are also the most advanced in terms of processes, governance, investor, education, and I can tell you that we are the best in all four,” Weerasekara said.
