The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) carried out a series of activities in the Matara District recently to create awareness amongst potential and existing investors on the benefits of investing in the capital market. 

CSE Chairman Vajira Kulatilaka along with Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Head of Market Development Niroshan Wijesundere and Head of Research Nishantha Hewavithana launched a week-long endeavour to reach out to students and professionals as well as market intermediaries in the area – to better understand their concerns with regards to investment. 

A presentation was also made by Hewavithana covered thefollowing areas: investment opportunities, capital market processes and the benefits of investing in shares, the role of the stock exchange as a facilitator, the role of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the role of listed companies, stockbrokers, investors and the capital market’s contribution to the economy.

A programme was hosted at the Ruhuna University for over 400 students in the Management Faculty, to educate students on the interchange from savings to investment and give them an understanding of the alternative investment avenues available, while providing a theoretical and practical overview of the fundamentals of the market. 

Kulatilaka addressed the audience on the key tenants of ‘Personal Financial Planning’. Ceybank Unit Trust representative Ian Ferdinand provided those present with an introduction on unit trusts and Pasindu Perera from Candor Equities made a presentation on market performances, past, present and future.
“The CSE is eager to create a culture of investment amongst youngsters, where they see investment in the stock market as a viable means of investing their earnings, upon entering the workforce. In order for investment in the stock market to be a predominant alternative, it is vital that they possess the relevant information and be well versed in the mechanics of investment,” Kulatilaka said. 

“We are glad to partner with the stock exchange for this endeavour and create investment awareness and knowledge creation amongst the student community. We hope that this programme plants the seeds of curiosity in the minds of students and encourages them to learn more about investing. We also appreciate the close relationship the CSE has maintained with our university,” University of Ruhuna Head of the Department of Accountancy and Finance and Senior Lecturer Dr. H.V.D.I Abeywickrama said.

In Matara Kulatilaka and his team met with investment advisors from the broker firms in Matara including: Bartleet Religare Securities (Pvt.) Limited, Asha Phillip Securities Ltd, Assetline Securities (Pvt.) Ltd, SC Securities (Pvt.) Ltd, Capital Alliance Securities (Pvt.) Ltd, Claridge Stockbrokers (Pvt.) Ltd, TKS Securities (Pvt.) Ltd, LOLC Securities (Pvt.) Ltd and Capital Trust Securities (Pvt.) Ltd. 

“Investment advisors are a vital part of the capital market; they facilitate investment and are the first point of contact for those who begin their investment journey. As vibrant stakeholders of the industry we feel interaction with them ensures a cohesive message about investment is translated to the retail investor community. Therefore, understanding their concerns is of vital importance,” Kulatilaka said.

The outreach activities in Matara culminated in a programme for existing investors hosted at the Sanaya Mansion in Matara – where the existing investors were educated on current market conditions and strategies to obtain the best returns on their investment. Over 200 special invitees of the CSE attended this event. 

Bandaranaike provided the investors present with a comprehensive overview of the performance of the exchange over the past five years. 

Furthermore, in order to instil a greater level of confidence within the minds of investors Bandaranaike also provided an introduction to the regulatory role of the CSE – detailing the mechanisms put in place to safeguard retail investors. 

Providing investors with a macroeconomic perspective on current market conditions was VidushanPremathiratne of Candor Equities. His presentation was followed by a sector analysis, which was presented by Kusal Jayawardene of Liege Capital Partners (Pvt.) Ltd.