CSE forum raises awareness on alternative investment avenues

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) hosted a special awareness session titled “Creating Opportunities for Wealth Creation and Diversification” recently with the objective of creating awareness among investors about the range of alternative instruments available at the bourse, that could be considered alongside traditional equity investments, and how these products can generate returns.

Attracting over 160 participants, this significant gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, primary dealers, fund managers, and rating agencies.
Delivering the opening remarks, CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekera said, “Historically, the Colombo Stock Exchange was equity-dominated. However, thanks to the foresight of current and previous SEC chairs, a joint committee for product development introduced products such as stock borrowing and lending, short selling, and sustainable bonds, including green and blue bonds. We also launched infrastructure bonds and Islamic financial products to attract significant capital from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.”
SEC Chairman Faizal Salieh said, “Our focus on sustainability-linked products aims to attract ESG-conscious investors who prioritize transparency and global standards. Additionally, the Joint Committee is advancing high-grade corporate debt trading, expanding sustainable bonds to include social bonds, and establishing a Central Counterparty (CCP) system, paving the way for new products such as derivatives and risk hedging instruments at the CSE.”
The event featured presentations by  Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management Asanka Herath, on “Exploring Stock Borrowing and Lending, and Regulated Short Selling: Benefits for Investors”, NDB Wealth Management Limited Chief Investment Officer Vindya Jayasekara on “Why Corporate Bonds Present a Compelling Alternative to Traditional Fixed-Rate Investments and the Rationale for Investing in Green/Sustainability Bond Issuances” and ADL Capital Limited Managing Director Ishrat Rauff on “Assessing the Investment Landscape for Shariah-Compliant Debt Securities in Sri Lanka – A Case for Investors.”
The forum also featured a panel discussion a Q&A session.