Sri Lanka’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently organized a forum aimed at encouraging technology companies to consider the capital market as a potential funding source. The event, titled “Seed to Scale – Unlock Value & Potential,” saw participation from over 60 firms in the tech sector. Industry leaders and experts were present to discuss pathways for capital raising through the listing of debt and equity on the CSE.
Ashvanth Vijayaram, Senior Vice President and Head of Equity Capital Markets at Capital Alliance Holdings Ltd (CAL), addressed the forum on how companies can list on the CSE and the advantages of listing as a cost-effective method for raising capital. The forum also featured a panel discussion and Q&A session with notable figures such as ICTA chairman Hans Wijayasuriya, SEC chairman D B P H Dissabandara, CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike, and Managing Director of St Anthony’s Industries Jeevan Gnanam. The session was moderated by CEO of Surge Global, Bhanuka Harischandra.
Hans Wijayasuriya highlighted a significant challenge faced by venture capital funds in Sri Lanka, stating, “Venture capital funds and their investors face cascading taxes, unlike in other overseas markets. To encourage foreign capital inflow into the Sri Lankan ecosystem, it is crucial to address this tax issue.” He further emphasized the importance of creating an environment that motivates local innovators to remain and operate in Sri Lanka while expanding overseas, which would contribute to a more dynamic tech ecosystem. He suggested that shortening the listing process and enhancing readiness for full-scale capital markets could facilitate better scaling.
SEC chairman D B P H Dissabandara posed a critical question, “How can our capital markets evolve to support this momentum by providing not just capital, but also confidence, credibility, and continuity?”
Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of CSE, added, “In addition to attracting capital, listing unlocks the value of your company and helps discover a share price. Markets are cyclical and subject to volatility. Entrepreneurs should not be overly concerned about short-term volatility. If your company has a solid growth story, is well-managed, with positive cash flows and net assets, there will be demand for your shares.”
(Colombo/Feb16/2026)
