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The Securities and Exchange Commission noted that over the past 12 months  the Colombo Stock Exchange had performed exceptionally well. The All Share  Price Index recorded an appreciation of 55% while the S&PSL 20 recorded an  appreciation of 44%. The Average Daily Turnover in 2021 was recorded at 4.8  billion, an increase of more than LKR 3 billion compared to 2020 which recorded  an average daily turnover of 1.8 billion.  

Despite the overwhelmingly positive performance of the CSE it was noted that  foreign investor contribution to the market was low due to the prevailing Co-vid  19 conditions. At the same time the SEC has made plan to improve Sri Lanka’s  image in foreign markets in transforming the nation into the next investment  hub of the world. It is believed that the capital flow from foreign investments will  act as a catalyst for an increased economic growth.  

As part of the program the SEC in partnership with the Foreign Ministry  conducted a series of workshops to educate the staff of Sri Lanka oversees  missions about the nation’s investment opportunities. It is believed that this  initiative would help the Foreign Service staff promote portfolio investments to  the investor communities of the respective nations and help the CSE and SEC  organize future projects in the regions.  

The first series of meetings were conducted with the participation of many high  level dignitaries which included the Sri Lankan High Commissioners for the  United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland & Singapore, Sri Lankan  Ambassadors for Sweden, Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, The Hon,  Consul General of Sri Lanka Dubai & Northern Emirates, The Head of the  Chancery Embassy of Sri Lanka Abu Dhabi and many senior officials of the  Foreign Ministry.  

It was also mentioned that the Foreign Ministry is currently organizing three  more virtual presentations for members of the Foreign Missions in Washington  DC, Tokyo and Beijing.