Colombo Stock Exchange expands footprint with new Gampaha branch

Opening of CSE Gampaha branch by (from left) in foreground: CSE Director Sujeewa Peiris and SEC Chairman Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and in background (from left): SEC Acting Director General Tushara Jayaratne, CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike and CSE Investor Education and Branch Operations Head Tharaka Amarasena

Rajeeva Bandaranaike

Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Gampaha branch to the public on June 23, further strengthening its countrywide presence.  

The inauguration of the branch was officiated by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Senior Professor D.B.P.H Dissabandara, CSE Director Sujeewa Peiris and CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike, in the presence of senior corporate and public officials.
The opening of the newest Gampaha branch brings the total number of branches to 13, as the CSE enjoys a presence in every province with a presence in Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Negombo, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Panadura, Bandarawela, Kegalle, Galle and now Gampaha. 
With the completion of the first phase of expansion – a branch in every province – the opening of the Gampaha branch, which would be the CSE’s third branch in the Western province – comes as part of the second phase to establish a branch in all 25 districts.
The newest branch in Gampaha will facilitate a range of services including the CDS account openings, access to a range of stockbroker services from eight stockbroker firms, educational investor workshops and seminars for prospective investors and a service for entrepreneurs and businesses to access the stock market for capital through the different listing options available 
at the CSE. 
Remarking in his opening address, Bandaranaike commented, “As one of the country’s key hubs, the Gampaha businesses have strong potential to leverage the capital market 
for expansion. 
Through the Empower Board platform the CSE offers and its presence in Gampaha, businesses can unlock the value of their business and create wealth in the economy. So, in Gampaha, we are opening the doors for broad basing the stock market for both entrepreneurs and investors.”
Prof. Dissabandara remarked that Section 3 of SEC Act No. 19 of 2021 sets out the objectives of the act, which are to facilitate the creation of a securities market, maintain the market so created and regulate the market in a fair, efficient and transparent manner.
He further stated that while the stockbrokers actively promote investment opportunities, it is equally important to safeguard the interests of the investors once they enter the market. 
Protecting the interest of the investors, he emphasised, is a fundamental responsibility of the SEC. Accordingly, the SEC’s role extends beyond regulation to fostering investor confidence and ensuring the protection of the investors’ interests.
Prof. Dissabandara also noted that capital raising is essential not only for the growth and expansion of companies but also for advancing the country’s economic development.
He also observed that despite Sri Lanka’s population of approximately 22 million, the number of individuals actively participating in the capital market remains below one million. He noted that broadening the investor base requires reaching communities across the country and creating greater awareness of investment opportunities. In this context, he commended the CSE’s initiative to open its 13th branch in Gampaha, describing it as an important step towards expanding access to the capital market and encouraging wider public participation.