CSE and USAID hold issuer forum for SMEs in south

From left: Punyamali Saparamadu, Niroshan De Silva, Chamara Dissanayake, Rajeeva Bandaranaike and Jude Fernando

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) collaborated on a forum to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in southern Sri Lanka with insights into opportunities to raise capital through the CSE.
Held recently at Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, the issuer forum titled ‘Redefining the Trajectory of Your Business’, provided guidance on exploring effective capital-raising avenues, specifically through listing on the Empower and Diri Savi Boards, which offer dedicated listing platforms for SMEs, focusing on sectors like agribusinesses, livestock, energy generation, ICT and tourism-related ventures. 
Industry experts, investment advisors, the CSE representatives and representatives of USAID’s CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development Activity led panel discussions and interactive sessions.

“USAID’s goal for SMEs is to unlock opportunities for growth, innovation and sustainability, paving the way for economic development that benefits everyone,” said USAID Office of Economic Growth Deputy Director Dennis Wesner. 
Addressing the gathering, CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike said, “The decision to pursue a listing on the stock exchange marks a significant milestone in the life of any company. Going public is not just about raising capital or enhancing liquidity—it’s about unlocking potential, fuelling innovation and creating value for shareholders, employees and society at large. It will be a transformative path that starts with a fundamental shift in mindsets.” 

Conducting a session on ‘Capital Mobilisation through the CSE’, Capital Alliance Limited Assistant Vice President Research Niroshan De Silva stated, “Sri Lankan SMEs are the backbone of our economy but many face challenges in accessing growth capital. Listing on the CSE provides a unique opportunity to address this very need. By going public, SMEs can tap into new sources of capital, allowing for significant expansion and innovation.”
The forum featured a panel discussion titled ‘Journey Towards Listing and Life After Listing’ including PSD Inclusive Finance Director Jude Fernando, Asia Siyaka Commodities Limited Executive Director Chamara Dissanayake, Bandaranaike, De Silva and with CSE Senior Vice President Commercial Punyamali Saparamadu serving as the moderator.