Educational Exposure Visit to CBSL, CSE, and SEC

The 6 staff (Prof. (Mrs).L.Kengatharan, Prof. (Mrs).R.Yogendrarajah, Dr.V.A.Subramaniam, Dr. (Mrs). S. Adandasayanan, Dr. (Mrs). J.Thevananth and Mrs. J.S. Dimon Ford) and 70 final-year students of the Department of Financial Management embarked on an educational exposure visit to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), and Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) on March 10, 2025. The visit aimed to provide practical insights into financial regulations, capital market operations, and sustainable finance initiatives.

Objectives of the Visit

• Enhance students’ understanding of financial market operations and regulatory frameworks.
• Provide hands-on exposure to trading systems and market analysis.
• Foster connections with industry professionals and regulators.
• Support students in aligning their academic knowledge with industry expectations.

On March 10, 2025, we initially visited the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) at 8:45 AM, where the officials warmly welcomed the staff and students. The sessions covered key topics, including climate change, sustainable finance, and protection against pyramid schemes. Experts from the Sustainable Finance Division and the Communications Department provided valuable insights on financial stability and sustainable financial practices. The visit concluded after two informative hours.

Following this, our visit to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) offered students a firsthand experience in observing live market operations. Detailed explanations were provided on order execution, price fluctuations, and market strategies. Special recognition is extended to Mr. Niroshan Wijesundere, Senior Vice President of Marketing, for facilitating the visit, and Mr. Pasindu for delivering engaging and insightful presentations.

At the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), a comprehensive session on financial regulations and market surveillance was conducted. Senior Professor H. Dissabandara, Chairman of SEC, and Mr. J. Thushara, Deputy Director General, shared valuable perspectives on the current regulatory landscape and challenges within the financial sector. Additionally, the SEC graciously hosted a delightful lunch for the staff and students, further enhancing the overall experience.

The students visited the University of Colombo, where they were warmly received by Mr. J. Francis, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics. Special discussions facilitated by Mr. J. Francis enriched the students’ academic experience. A warm dinner was arranged for the staff and students by the Department of Economics.
Accommodation was arranged at the NIE hostel, with gratitude extended to the Deputy Director General of Administration and Finance, NIE.
The Department of Financial Management extends sincere gratitude to the following individuals and institutions for their generous support and contributions:

• Senior Professor H. Dissabandara, Chairman, SEC, for his invaluable guidance and support.
• Mr. J. Thushara, Deputy Director General, SEC, for providing regulatory insights.
• The Head, Sustainable Finance Division, CBSL & Director, Communications Department, CBSL, for organizing impactful sessions.
• Mr. Niroshan Wijesundere, Senior Vice President/ Marketing, CSE, for organizing the session and Mr. Pasindu, for his expert presentations.
• Dean and Head, Department of Economics, University of Colombo, for facilitating a warm hospitality.
• Mr. J. Francis, Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo, for his guidance and support.
• Deputy Director General/Administration and Finance, NIE, for facilitating our accommodation.

Special thanks to our Vice Chancellor, Prof. S. Sri Satkunarajah, for granting permission for this visit and supporting our students’ experiential learning.
This educational exposure visit provided our students with an enriching and transformative learning experience. It reinforced their theoretical knowledge with practical insights into the financial sector. The Department of Financial Management looks forward to organizing similar initiatives in the future to bridge the gap between academia and industry.