Colombo Stock Exchange Performs Better Again

28th September 2009, www.dailynews.lk

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has performed better during the post war period in the All Share Price Index (ASPI) having recorded 93 percent this year compared to a 41 percent decrease last year. Hence, at present, the Sri Lankan Stock Exchange has reached the state of the best performing stock exchange in the world, said Colombo Stock Exchange, Manager, Business Development, Tushara Jayaratne to the Daily News Business.

He said that the Milanka Price Index for 25 selected companies has increased by 100 percent whereas the daily turnover increased from Rs. 484 million and the number of transactions has seen an increase of 5,000 per day.

The total market capitalization has also increased to Rs. 930 billion and the market capitalization on September 17 was Rs. 942.6 billion, the highest recorded at the CSE, he said.

Four CSE branches in Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala and Negombo have been set up to promote investments among the rural community. The contribution from the rural community has increased and 17 percent of the individual turnover of the CSE is from the rural community, he said.

Foreign investors have shown on interest in investing in Sri Lanka and the net purchases of Rs. 682 million of foreign inflow was recorded after the war in Sri Lanka.

Foreign investors have been actively involved in sectors such as Banking, finance and insurance, diversified oil palm, telecommunication, beverage/food, tobacco and manufacturing.

The CSE has organized regular workshops and seminars to promote investments in CSE for investors, potential investors and educated them about the Stock Exchange.

The CSE conducted over 125 seminars this year all over the country. It is not only to educate investors but also students, undergraduates, lecturers and teachers on the CSE.

The lectures are conducted in all three languages and the public will be educated through the print and electronic media with articles published in the Daily News.