New CSE Branch Brings Galle Direct Access to Capital Market

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Galle 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; Chairman of CSE, Mr. Dimuthu Abeyesekera; and Chief Executive Officer of CSE, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, in the presence of senior officials representing both public and private sectors.

The CSE has branches in Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Negombo, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Panadura, Bandarawela, Kegalle, and Galle, and is due to open another branch in Gampaha in May 2026.

The new branch in Galle will facilitate a range of services including CDS account openings, access to stockbroker services from eight (8) firms, educational investor workshops and seminars for prospective investors, and services 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 on the intersection of the capital market and Galle’s cinnamon and tea industry, Mr. Dimuthu Abeyesekera, Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange, commented: “Areas such as Thawalama, Neluwa, Elpitiya, and Ambalangoda in the Galle District are areas where businesses actively contribute to the cinnamon and tea economy. Businesses and investors in those areas rarely have the opportunity to invest their surplus money in avenues that provide great long-term returns. We are confident that the opening of the latest branch of the Colombo Stock Exchange in Galle will open up investment opportunities in the capital market for them.”

Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara, Chairman of the SEC, also speaking at the ceremony, stated: “The opening of the CSE’s 12th branch in Galle marks an important step in expanding access to capital markets. While we now have a presence across all provinces, our next priority is to reach underserved districts and ensure that individuals and businesses nationwide can access stock market opportunities.”

He further noted: “Our vision is to build a truly inclusive capital market by attracting small investors and entrepreneurs from across the country, including the most remote regions. We aim to empower individuals from all communities—Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim alike—to participate in wealth creation through the capital market and share in the country’s economic progress.”

Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Dissabandara also emphasized: “We want to send a clear message to entrepreneurs, regardless of size, that they should aspire to grow beyond their current scale. The capital market offers an efficient platform to raise funds while managing the cost of capital more effectively. Economic growth cannot be driven by governments alone; it must be powered by strong enterprises that can raise capital, expand, and contribute meaningfully to national development. The SEC remains firmly committed to its dual mandate. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of regulation to protect the interests of investors, while also actively facilitating the development of the capital market. Expanding and strengthening the market is a national priority that benefits the entire country.”