The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) joined forces with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and several global partners to ring the opening bell in honour of International Women’s Day. The ceremony, held on 8 March 2026, serves as a call to action for increasing the economic involvement of women across Sri Lanka. Representatives from UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact attended the event to highlight how gender diversity supports sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Recent data from the CSE shows that women’s representation on the boards of listed companies has reached 13.7 per cent. This is a slight rise from the 13.4 per cent recorded in the previous year. While the figures show a positive trend, officials noted that more work is required to ensure women can reach the highest levels of corporate governance. The event is part of a wider global initiative involving 114 exchanges and clearing houses designed to tackle the barriers that block women from career progression.
Nilupa Perera, Chief Regulatory Officer of the CSE, remarked in her welcome address, “Women who enter any space of employment asks themselves if there is a place for them, both in the company and in the company leadership. Our answer, through our actions, our leadership, and events like this one, is a resounding yes. Studies consistently show that women who see strong female leadership in senior roles are far more likely to aspire to leadership themselves. Representation is not just symbolic, it is transformative. Women in leadership demonstrate what is possible.”
Economic experts argue that empowering women is essential for job creation and poverty reduction in the region. Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for World Bank Group in Sri Lanka and Maldives, said, “Sri Lanka’s future hinges on inclusive growth – which is only possible when the economy works for both men and women. When women are empowered and employed, it reaches far beyond individual lives – it fortifies her family and transforms her entire community. At the World Bank Group, our commitment to job creation is rooted in a simple reality: a job is the surest path to dignity and poverty reduction. For that mission to succeed, women must be at the very center of the workforce.”
Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the World Federation of Exchanges, commented, “In honour of International Women’s Day, Exchanges and CCPs are highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive financial markets. Our members are leading the industry in empowering women to invest and trade in safe and trusted environments, enabling them to finance their futures.”
