SEC welcomes Budget 2027 capital market proposals

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has welcomed the inclusion of two proposals aimed at strengthening the country’s capital market in Budget 2027.

SEC Chairman Senior Professor Hareendra Dissabandara said the proposals, titled “A Share for Everyone” and the SME Listing Support Mechanism, had been submitted by the Commission and incorporated into the Government’s Budget framework.

In a statement, Dissabandara said the two initiatives would help broaden public participation in the capital market, improve financial literacy and provide businesses with greater access to capital.

Under the “A Share for Everyone” programme, eligible Advanced Level students will be given an opportunity to enter the capital market and gain practical experience in investing.

The SME Listing Support Mechanism, meanwhile, is expected to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to raise capital through listings on the stock market.

Dissabandara said the initiatives would help expand the investor base while strengthening corporate governance, improving transparency and creating more investment opportunities.

He noted that participation in Sri Lanka’s capital market remained relatively low compared to its potential and stressed the need to attract new investors while encouraging more businesses to access the market.

The SEC Chairman also welcomed the Government’s allocation of resources for implementing the two programmes.

He said the SEC would work with the Ministry of Finance, the Colombo Stock Exchange and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives.

“These are not merely budget proposals. They are investments in Sri Lanka’s future investors, future entrepreneurs, and future economic growth,” Dissabandara said.