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“Invest Sri Lanka” investor forum in Hong Kong

09 Sep 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) will host the “Invest Sri Lanka” investor forum at the Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong today.

Over 100 participants are expected to attend this forum. The “Invest Sri Lanka” Investor Forum will feature presentations by Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka and Krishan Balendra, Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange.

 This will be followed by a Q&A session for investors. There will also be small group discussions with the senior executives of select listed companies for investors who are considering investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Eleven Listed Companies namely John Keells Holdings PLC, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, DFCC Bank, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC, Nations Trust Bank PLC, Dialog Axiata PLC, Hayley’s PLC, Ceylinco Insurance PLC, Access Engineering PLC, People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC will be conducting one on one meetings with the foreign investors at the forum.

The foreign investor contribution to the total market turnover of the CSE has increased to 38 percent during the year to-date, in comparison to 25 percent in the year 2012. The market has also recorded a net foreign inflow of Rs. 18 bn year to-date.

Ajith Nivard Cabraal, governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, said, “In Sri Lanka, the stage is now set for the economy to move to a USD 100 billion economy and to raise per capita income to USD 4,000 by 2016. We invite foreign investors to join us and be active partners in this exciting journey.”

Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, commented, “As the regulator, our primary function is to protect the interest of investors and facilitate market development. It is very important for us to understand the fine line between two objectives and strike the correct balance. Since the end of the war the market has started delivering encouraging results and the CSE has been experiencing a record level of foreign inflow in recent times. Currently foreign investors account for approximately 38% of the total market turnover”.

Krishan Balendra, Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange said he is confident that the market will recover given their attractive valuations and the growth potential of the country and the corporate sector.