Sri Lanka Strengthens Investor Links with Australia Through Invest Sri Lanka’ Forum

August, 13, 2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), and the stock broking industry are conducting a series of ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Investor Forums in Australia, with multiple forums to be held in Melbourne and Sydney. The forums will be held in Sydney and Melbourne from 17^th August 2026 to 20^th August 2026.

The ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Investor Forum – Australia 2026 follows the ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Investor Forums held in Dubai & Riyadh earlier in January. Capitalizing on the growth and stability achieved in the Sri Lankan capital market in 2025, the ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ investor forums of 2026 are set to leverage on Sri Lanka’s status as an attractive frontier market and will seek to attract institutional investors and the Sri Lankan diaspora.

The SEC & CSE will be returning to Australia after nearly nine years following the last ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Investor Forum Australia conducted in 2017. The 2017 roadshow played an important role in strengthening investor awareness of Sri Lanka among investors in Australia, with buy turnover rising over 700% from LKR 72.9m to LKR. 603.8m within the six-month window following the forums.

As of the end of 2025 buy turnover has risen to Rs. 1.85 bn with Australia emerging as one of the top ten sources of foreign investor inflows into the Sri Lankan capital market, and as one of the top ten sources of remittance inflows from the growing Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia. With the strong rise in Sri Lanka’s All-Share-Price-Index (ASPI) over the past ten years, a rising number of Sri Lankan diaspora investors have taken an interest in the Sri Lankan stock market.

The forums will be conducted amidst a remarkable six-year growth in the capital market which saw the ASPI rise from 4,846 points in May 2020 to 22,310.80 points by the end of May 2026. This represents a growth of 360% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 28.98%. Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s equity market stands above regional competitors with a market Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.20 x, enjoying Asia’s 2^nd lowest (P/E) Ratio, offering strong upside potential for investors seeking frontier market exposure.

Commenting on Sri Lanka's investment landscape and the importance of engaging with international investors, Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of SEC, stated “Sri Lanka is strengthening its capital market through robust regulation, greater transparency and stronger investor protection, creating a more trusted and resilient environment for investors. We invite Australian investors to explore the opportunities emerging in our market.”

High-level government officials, regulators, listed companies, leading stock brokering firms, and international investors will convene at the forum to foster connections and promote long-term capital flows into Sri Lanka. Mr. Niroshan Wijesundere, Executive Vice President – Marketing of the CSE commented that there is strong interest in the forums, with registrations for several sessions already exceeding capacity.

CHEC Port City Colombo is participating in the Invest Sri Lanka Investor Forums in Australia as a collaborative partner, joining the SEC and the CSE in bringing Sri Lanka's investment proposition to Australian investors and businesses.

“Australia represents a significant market for Sri Lanka, and this forum provides a timely platform to engage directly with investors who are well-positioned to recognise the opportunity. We look forward to sharing what Port City Colombo has to offer as part of Sri Lanka's broader investment story,” stated Mr. Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd.

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka will also be participating in the forums, further strengthening the representation of key stakeholders driving the country’s investment and economic development agenda. Joining as the platinum sponsor, the Hatton National Bank (HNB) Group will be supporting the forums as the forums facilitate engagement between investors, businesses, and industry leaders.

Speakers and panelists at the events include Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; H.E. (Ms). Yasoja Gunesekara, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia; Senior Prof D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the SEC; Mr. Ray Abeywardena, Director of the CSE; Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Director General of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka;; Mrs. Pradeepa Saram, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania; Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE; Dr. Naveen Gunawardane, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lynear Wealth Management; Mr. Charles Blake, Executive Director of ACP Corum Pty Ltd; Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director & CEO of Hatton National Bank PLC and Mr. Thulci Aluwihare, Deputy Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd; all of whom will be sharing their insights, highlighting the country’s ongoing economic reforms, financial stability, and capital market potential through a series of panel discussions and presentations.

Registered participants will get the opportunity to access to a series of sessions offering in-depth insights into Sri Lanka’s capital markets, economic outlook and investment opportunities. The program will also feature a high-level panel discussion, featuring leaders and market experts who will share their perspectives on macroeconomic trends, market performance, and future growth opportunities. The forum will highlight the resilience and potential of the market, showcasing recent policy reforms, improved infrastructure, and a robust ecosystem that supports sustainable investment.

2025 saw the Sri Lankan capital market prosper amidst significant reforms and positive economic developments, making it an attractive platform for investment and providing opportunities for institutional investors and fund managers globally.