About CSE

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is the first and only stock exchange operating in the country, licensed under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 19 of 2021 as a Capital Market Infrastructure Provider (CIMP). Formed in 1985, following the amalgamation of two stock brokerage associations: the Share Brokers Association (SBA) and the Colombo Brokers’ Association, today the CSE functions as a mutual exchange with 15 Member Firms and 13 Trading Member Firms (for equity and debt).

At present the CSE functions as a market operator and through its fully owned subsidiary, Central Depository Systems (Pvt.) Limited (CDS), acts as a clearing and settlement system facilitator. The CSE also oversees compliance through a set of rules, promotes standards of corporate governance among listed companies and is actively involved in educating investors. In the course of its operations, the CSE interacts with many stakeholders, who are issuers (such as companies, corporations and unit trusts), commercial banks, investment banks, fund managers, stockbrokers, financial advisers, market data vendors and investors. The CSE provides both local and foreign investors an opportunity to diversify their portfolios through investment in equity shares, units of closed-end funds and corporate debt.

Equipped with the latest technology, a growing investor base and an expanding number of listed companies, the CSE has evolved to be a regionally competitive stock exchange which supports value creation for market participants.

Our vision

To create sustainable wealth and value

Our mission

• Increase the number of issuers to raise capital through CSE
• Increase the number of active investors
• Provide facilities to trade diversified products
• To promote sustainability among listed companies
• Ensure balanced regulation to maintain market integrity and investor confidence

Our Products and Services

The exchange is a catalyst for capital formation in Sri Lanka creating a vibrant marketplace for investors and issuers alike, through a wide range of products and services. Our products and services facilitate raising of capital for issuers thereby unlocking value for business owners, while also creating attractive investment opportunities for investors across diverse market segments.

Our product offerings encompass both equity and debt instruments. In the equity segment, we facilitate Stock Borrowing and Lending (SBL) and Regulated Short Selling (RSS), allowing for greater market liquidity and investment flexibility. Beyond equity, we offer a comprehensive suite of debt products, including;

• Sustainable Bonds, including Green Bonds and Blue Bonds
• High Yield Bonds
• Shariah Compliant Debt Securities
• Perpetual Debt Instruments
• Infrastructure Bonds
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• Foreign currency-denominated share listings for local companies

Our Socio-economic Impact

A country’s stock exchange has an important role to play in building the resilience and sustainable growth of the economy. It is a key indicator used by foreign investors to measure the financial condition and stability of a country.

CSE plays a multi-faceted role, operating a fair and transparent marketplace with the purpose of creating wealth and value in a manner that has a positive impact on the broader society. We are cognisant of our socio-economic responsibility and make a conscious effort to actively work towards the betterment of all stakeholder groups. Our products and services build trust and confidence in the capital markets through reliable, secure and regulated platforms and market surveillance activities.