Financial Literacy in Sri Lanka Rises to 58%, Prime Minister Says

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said financial literacy in Sri Lanka had increased from 35% to 58% as a result of positive measures taken by the Government, describing the improvement as a significant achievement for the country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today while attending the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) at the World Trade Center in Colombo as the chief guest.

She said the Government's main objective of creating a “wealthy country – a beautiful life” was aimed at building an economically stronger environment where every citizen could live with dignity, security and happiness.

The event was organised to mark the CSE's 40th anniversary, promote financial literacy and launch the “Stock Market Game” programme. A commemorative cover and stamp marking the CSE's 40th anniversary were also unveiled during the event. The Prime Minister also rang the bell to mark the commencement of market trading.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya said the Government did not want financial knowledge to remain limited to a small section of society.

She said the aim was to ensure that every citizen had the knowledge to manage their income properly, save appropriately, understand financial risks, make informed investments and avoid fraudulent financial schemes.

She also highlighted plans to introduce a new subject area titled “Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy” for students from Grades 6 to 9 under the new curriculum reforms.

She said practical programmes such as the newly launched Stock Market Game and school capital-market clubs would help children and young people gain a proper understanding of entrepreneurship and investment from an early age.

The Prime Minister also commended the Colombo Stock Exchange for its efforts to expand financial knowledge among the public through its network of 13 branches across the country.

She said the Government was committed to strengthening Sri Lanka's capital market beyond traditional savings methods and creating new investment opportunities for the younger generation.

Addressing schoolchildren and young people, the Prime Minister encouraged them to think differently, seek new opportunities rather than wait for them, and create opportunities of their own.

She said financial knowledge should not be viewed merely as a means of obtaining marks in examinations but as a lifelong skill that could help people manage their finances effectively.

CSE Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bandaranaike, officials of the Colombo Stock Exchange and a group led by Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissanayake were also present at the event.