October, 6, 2026
As part of World Investor Week (WIW) 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) joined stock exchanges around the world in ringing the market opening bell for financial literacy on 5 October 2026, under the patronage of the Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
World Investor Week is an annual global campaign led by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to raise awareness of the importance of investor education and investor protection. The “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” initiative, pioneered by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), brings together stock exchanges and other stakeholders worldwide to promote greater financial literacy and encourage individuals to make informed financial decisions.
The ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the CSE and the joint launch by the SEC and the CSE of the Stock Market Game, an online stock market simulation based on the ATrad trading system.
The Stock Market Game enables participants to gain practical experience of how the stock market works, make investment decisions and construct portfolios of listed shares without using real money. The platform is accessible through the websites of the SEC and CSE and is expected to serve as an important practical tool for promoting financial education. It is envisaged that the Stock Market Game will also be used to conduct simulation competitions among universities and the 100 Capital Market Clubs established in schools across the country.
The ceremony also featured the commemorative issuance of a stamp and First Day Cover to mark the 40th anniversary of the CSE. Issued in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka, the commemorative stamp and First Day Cover were presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, by the SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and Mr. Ray Abeywardena, Director CSE and Chairman of Central Depository Systems (CDS).
Welcoming the gathering, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE, highlighted the importance of obtaining reliable information when making investment decisions.
“We operate in a digital world where a vast amount of information and data is disseminated through social media. While some of this information is factual, some may be inaccurate or misleading. When investing in the stock market, it is essential to make informed and prudent investment decisions. Therefore, investors should obtain information and data from reliable and responsible sources and persons before making investment decisions.”
Addressing the gathering, SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara emphasised that the SEC’s role extends beyond regulation to facilitating the further development of the capital market.
“The SEC needs to determine how best to introduce the stock market to Generation Alpha, Generation Beta and generations beyond. When it comes to investors, we need to build confidence in the market, because people will invest only when they have confidence in the market.
“The Stock Market Game we are introducing today is not only an initiative to promote financial literacy, but can also contribute to greater financial inclusion. Although financial literacy levels are around 58%, the number of people who have invested in the capital market remains significantly lower.
“While we have come a long way, there is still much more to be done. There are around 200,000 registered companies in the country, yet only 291 are listed on the stock market. This highlights the significant potential for further development and expansion of our capital market.”
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, commended the efforts of the SEC and CSE in promoting financial literacy and highlighted the importance of strengthening the capital market and creating new investment opportunities for the younger generation.
“As the CSE commemorates its 40th anniversary, the Government commends its continued efforts to promote and strengthen financial literacy across the country. We are committed to moving beyond traditional savings schemes, strengthening the capital market and developing new investment opportunities for the younger generation.
“I urge our youth to think differently—to seize opportunities rather than simply wait for them, to actively seek out new possibilities and, more importantly, to create opportunities of their own.
“Do not focus only on achieving high marks in examinations. Develop sound financial knowledge and skills that will serve you throughout your life. I also encourage you to challenge yourselves to become responsible and empowered citizens who can contribute to building stronger communities and a stronger economy.”
To coincide with World Investor Week, the SEC and CSE have lined up a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing financial literacy, promoting greater awareness of the capital market and encouraging wider retail investor participation. These include setting up an investor education stall at the World Trade Center Colombo to provide tenants with information on investing in the capital market; participating in the Financial Literacy Expo organised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; and televising “Madura’s Bamboo Flute Dream,” an animated educational series for children, on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. In addition, a nationwide campaign will be conducted across 14 locations island-wide, with the aim of expanding retail investor participation and facilitating the opening of 10,000 new CDS accounts.
The event was attended by a wide range of capital market stakeholders, including Commission members of the SEC, Board Members of the CSE, senior officials of both the SEC and CSE, officials from the Ministry of Education, Chief Executive Officers of stockbroker firms and unit trust management companies, Vice Chancellors of national universities, principals and students representing Stock Market Clubs, and other distinguished guests from across the financial and academic sectors
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