📈 2026: A Catalyst Year for Sri Lankan IPOs

Asia Securities projects a robust phase for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in 2026, driven by macroeconomic stability, regulatory reforms, and favorable monetary conditions. • Market Outlook & Drivers Low interest rates are shifting funding preferences from debt to equity, offering permanent capital without debt-servicing strains. The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) plans a digital listing portal and a 7-day review process to expedite market entry. Secondary market liquidity and valuation benchmarks have improved following a strong recovery post-2022 crisis. • Economic Context Government Revenue has recovered to over 15% of GDP, meeting critical debt-restructuring framework targets. 2025 marked the third consecutive year of a primary surplus, with Sri Lanka outperforming IMF targets. External debt obligations are capped at under US$ 2.5 Bn per year for 2026-2027, significantly improving sustainability. • Private Sector & Investment Private sector credit growth exceeded Rs. 200 Bn per month since mid-2025, with credit-to-GDP at 31.3%. Current investment-to-GDP stands at 27%; reaching 6% economic growth requires this to hit 30-31%. Recent success: Cable Solutions Ltd (listed Aug 2024) saw its share price more than double from Rs. 7.50 to over Rs. 15. • Strategic Benefits Listings are expected to improve corporate governance and succession planning for family-owned businesses. Emphasis remains on increasing participation from State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private firms to expand market capitalization.