Every Student Could Become an Investor Under New Budget Plan

COLOMBO (News 1st); The government is seeking to bring thousands of young Sri Lankans into the world of investing through a new programme that could see selected Advanced Level students receive their first share portfolio before they leave school.

Unveiling the proposal during the 2027 Budget Speech, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced a new initiative titled "A Share for Everyone", to be implemented under the theme "Let's Know, Let's Learn, Let's Invest."

The move comes amid concerns over the limited reach of Sri Lanka's capital market. According to the Budget, only around 0.7% of Sri Lankans aged over 18 are currently active participants in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), highlighting the need to broaden investment literacy and participation.

Under the proposal, selected Grade 13 Advanced Level students aged 18 and above will be given an opportunity to enter the stock market through a formally administered programme that will provide share portfolios valued at up to Rs. 10,000 each.

The Budget also proposes a new support mechanism to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to list on the stock market, opening fresh avenues for businesses seeking capital while creating more investment opportunities for the public.

To support both initiatives, the Colombo Stock Exchange is expected to contribute Rs. 250 million, while the government plans to provide an additional Rs. 500 million, bringing the total proposed funding to Rs. 750 million.