The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has welcomed the inclusion of two proposals aimed at strengthening the country's capital market in Budget 2027.

Issuing a statement, Chairman of SEC Senior Professor Hareendra Dissabandara said the proposals, “A Share for Everyone” and the SME Listing Support Mechanism, had been submitted by the Commission and incorporated into the government's budget framework.

He said the two initiatives would help increase public participation in the capital market, improve financial literacy and provide businesses with greater access to funding.

Under the “A Share for Everyone” programme, eligible Advanced Level students will be given an opportunity to enter the capital market and gain practical experience in investing.

Meanwhile, the SME Listing Support Mechanism is expected to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises to raise capital through stock market listings.

Professor Dissabandara said the initiatives would help expand the investor base, strengthen corporate governance, improve transparency and create more investment opportunities.

He noted that participation in the country’s capital market remained relatively low compared to its potential, stressing the importance of attracting new investors and encouraging more businesses to enter the market.

The SEC Chairman also welcomed the government's allocation of resources for the implementation of the two programmes and said the Commission would work with the Ministry of Finance, Colombo Stock Exchange and other stakeholders to ensure their successful implementation.

“These are not merely budget proposals. They are investments in Sri Lanka’s future investors, future entrepreneurs, and future economic growth,” he said.