Anuradhapura and Jaffna SMEs Explore Alternative Capital Raising Avenues

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), successfully concluded a series of issuer forums in Anuradhapura and Jaffna on 10th and 12th September, respectively. The forums formed part of an ongoing island-wide initiative aimed at enhancing awareness of capital market opportunities and alternative capital-raising avenues available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka.

The forums provided SME participants with valuable insights into strengthening their businesses and unlocking growth opportunities through the capital market. Sessions also covered the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine, the Entrepreneur Awards Programme, and the importance of maintaining sound financial management practices to support sustainable business growth.

Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), regulatory requirements, succession planning for family-owned businesses, and the opportunities available through the CSE's Empower Board. The forums concluded with interactive panel discussions, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and receive practical guidance on scaling their businesses and preparing for capital market participation.

The panel featured distinguished speakers, including SEC Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ms. Samanthi Gunawardana; SEC Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ms. Marian Sandanam; Senior Vice President, Commercial, of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu; Branch Manager for CSE Jaffna, Mr. Shanmukananthan Sabananthan; Manager - Commercial, Ms. Himashi Wickramasinghe, CSE; Managing Partner – JA Partners, Mr. Somasuriyasingham Janarthanan (FCA/ FCMA); Partner - Ernst & Young, Mr. Rasika Fernando; Vice President of CA Sri Lanka, Ms. Anoji De Silva; Associate Director at Deloitte Sri Lanka, Ms. Krishnaveny Karmegam; and Investment Banking Analysts at Asia Securities, Mr. Tharusha Wickramarachchi and Mr. Neshigan Ganeshan.

Mr. Tharusha Wickramarachchi, Investment banking analyst at Asia Securities (Pvt), providing a presentation on the listing process.

Ms. Anoji De Silva, Vice President of CA Sri Lanka (Left) & Mr. Rasika Fernando, Partner - Ernst & Young (Right) presenting the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards programme.

Panellists at the Jaffna Issuer Forum (L – R): Mr. Shanmukananthan Sabananthan, Branch Manager - Jaffna, Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE); Mr. Neshigan Ganeshan, Investment Banking Analyst at Asia Securities (Pvt); Ms. Marian Sandanam, SEC Manager, Corporate Affairs; Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President – Commercial, CSE; Ms. Krishnaveny Karmegam - Associate Director, Deloitte Sri Lanka.

Mr. Neshigan Ganeshan, investment banking analyst at Asia Securities (Pvt), providing a presentation on the listing process.

Mr. Somasuriyasingham Janarthanan (FCA/ FCMA) Managing Partner, JA Partners (left) & Ms. Krishnaveny Karmegam - Associate Director, Deloitte Sri Lanka (right) delivering a presentation on the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards programme.

Image Caption : Members of the Anuradhapura Issuer Forum Panel Discussion (L – R): Moderator Himashi Wickramasinghe, Manager – Commercial, Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE); Mr. Tharusha Wickramarachchi, Investment Banking Analyst, Asia Securities (Pvt); Ms. Anoji De Silva, Vice President of CA Sri Lanka; Ms. Samanthi Gunawardana. SEC Manager, Corporate Affairs; Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President – Commercial, CSE.