The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Kegalle Branch to the public, further strengthening its countrywide presence. The branch was inaugurated by Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Senior Professor D.B.P.H Dissabandara, Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Mr. Kosala Gamage and Chief Executive Officer of CSE Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike in the presence of senior officials representing both public and private sectors.

With this opening, CSE reaffirms its presence across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka, with branches in Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Negombo, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Panadura, Bandarawela and now in Kegalle.

Similar to CSE’s other branches, the Kegalle branch will facilitate a range of services including CDS account opening, access to stockbroker firms, investor educational workshops, and personalized guidance for navigating the stock market or clarifying their investment-related queries.

Remarking in his opening address, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike CEO of CSE, stated “Kegalle is a region known for its thriving agricultural sector as well as its vibrant small- and medium-scale enterprises. Today, we bring to you the Kegalle branch with the intention of guiding you towards your investment journey and financial prosperity”.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara stated that the opening of the CSE branch in Kegalle marks the 11th branch established to broaden access to the capital market across the country.

Emphasizing the importance of investor awareness and accessibility, he noted that expanding the physical presence of the CSE enables greater public participation in the capital market. The new Kegalle branch, which can accommodate up to six stockbrokers, will facilitate closer engagement with investors and provide essential guidance, particularly for new investors.

He also outlined the need to increase the number of listed companies from 289 to 500 over the next three years and expressed confidence that the Kegalle region holds significant potential for SME’s to raise capital through the CSE. The branch, he noted, will play an important role in supporting businesses and investors within the local community.

Image Caption : Opening of the CSE Kegalle Branch.