Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the financial literacy rate in Sri Lanka, which previously stood at 35%, has increased to 58% as a result of the positive measures taken by the Government, describing this as a significant achievement for the country.
The Prime Minister made these remarks today (05) while attending the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), held at the World Trade Centre, as the Chief Guest.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that the Government’s primary objective of creating a “A Thriving Nation Country – A Beautiful Life” is aimed at establishing an economically strong environment in which every citizen can live with dignity, security and happiness.
The event, organised to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Colombo Stock Exchange, promote financial literacy and launch the “Stock Market Game” programme, also featured the unveiling of the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Cover and Stamp. The Prime Minister also rang the ceremonial bell to mark the commencement of trading activities.
The Prime Minister further stated:
What we want is not a country where knowledge about money and the financial system is limited to a small segment of society. Our aim is to ensure that every citizen of this country has the awareness and knowledge to manage the money they earn properly, save appropriately, understand risks and invest wisely, while also being able to protect themselves from fraudulent financial schemes.
In particular, we are making a significant investment in our schoolchildren, who will carry the responsibility of our future. Therefore, under the new curriculum reforms, we are working to introduce a new subject area titled ‘Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy’ for students from Grades 6 to 9.
Similarly, through practical programmes such as the ’Stock Market Game’ being launched today and School Capital Market Clubs, we can provide children and young people with a proper understanding of entrepreneurship and investment from an early age.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Colombo Stock Exchange, as a Government, we appreciate the efforts being made to take financial knowledge to the people by expanding its reach to 13 branches across the island.
We are committed to strengthening the country’s capital market by moving beyond traditional methods of saving, while also creating new investment opportunities for the younger generation.
My message to our children is to think differently. Do not wait for opportunities to come to you; seek out new opportunities and create opportunities. Join us in building a culture of responsible financial management that will benefit you throughout your lives, rather than focusing only on achieving marks in an examination.
The occasion was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Mr. Rajeev Bandaranaike, and officials, along with Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Disabandara, and a number of officials.
Prime Minister’s Media Division