Frequently asked questions

How do I open a CDS account digitally?

You can open a CDS account by logging into the CSE Mobile App or the web portal, completing the online application, and submitting the required documents.

What types of CDS accounts can be opened (Individual, Joint, Corporate)?

Currently, only the following CDS account types can be opened digitally: (i) Individual accounts for local and foreign investors, and (ii) Local Corporate accounts.

What documents are required to open a CDS account?

Local individual investors are required to submit a valid NIC, proof of address (such as NIC, utility bill, or bank statement), and proof of bank account. Foreign individual investors must provide a valid passport, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), and proof of bank account. Corporate and institutional investors may be required to submit additional documents.

Can minors open a CDS account?

No. A CDS account cannot be opened for a minor, as the minimum age requirement is 18 years.

How can foreign investors open a CDS account?

Yes. Foreign investors can open an account online by submitting passport details, bank account details, and other supporting documents as required.

What is the minimum age requirement to open a CDS account?

Any Sri Lankan citizen above 18 years can open a CDS account in their own name.

How do I know if my application is successfully submitted?

Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement notification via email.

How long does the approval process take?

Account approvals typically take 2–3 working days, depending on the completeness of the application.

Do I need to physically visit the stockbroker to open a CDS account?

No. The account opening process can be completed entirely online through the digital platform.

What should I do if I submitted incorrect details?

You must correct the details before final submission. If the application is already submitted, please contact your stockbroker.

Can I update my personal information after the account is opened?

Yes. You can update your personal details and KYC information at any time through CDS e-Connect facility availble through the mobile app and web portal

Can I have more than one CDS account?

Yes. Investors can maintain multiple CDS accounts with different stockbrokers. However, you cannot hold more than one CDS account with the same stockbroker.

Is there a fee for opening a CDS account?

No. There is no charge for opening a CDS account.

How do I nominate beneficiaries at the time of account opening?

Investors cannot add nominees during the account opening process. However, once the account is opened, nominees can be added later through the CDS e-Connect facility available on the CSE Mobile App and through web portal

How secure is the online CDS account opening process?

The process is fully secured with encryption, OTP verification, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Who can open a Foreign Individual (FI) CDS account?

Non-resident foreigners and non-resident Sri Lankans are eligible to open a CDS account under the FI category. If a resident Sri Lankan becomes a non-resident, they must also open a new FI account.

How do I start the FI account opening process?

Download the CSE Mobile App or log into the web portal, enter your foreign mobile number, and register. The system will automatically categorize you as a foreign individual.

What bank account is required for an FI account?

You must have either an Inward Investment Account (IIA) or a Capital Transaction Rupee Account (CTRA) with a licensed commercial bank in Sri Lanka to remit dividends and handle transactions.

What is an IIA account?

An IIA (Inward Investment Account) is a special account permitted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for non-residents, dual citizens, and Sri Lankans with permanent residency abroad to invest in Sri Lanka.

What documents are required to open an FI CDS account?

The following documents must be uploaded during the application: A selfie taken during the application process, Clear image of the valid Passport, Proof of bank account (with account number, type, bank, branch, and customer name), Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)

How long does it take for an FI account to be approved?

Approval time may vary depending on the completeness of your documents but typically takes a few working days.

Who should I contact if I face issues with the FI account opening?

You may contact your chosen stockbroker

My NIC verification shows “DRP Unavailable (No record available)” when applying for a CDS account. What should I do?

Please contact your selected stockbroker for clarification and guidance to resolve this issue and complete your CDS account opening.

Can local individual investors open a CDS account without a National Identity Card (NIC)?

No. Local individual investors cannot open a CDS account with the Colombo Stock Exchange without a valid NIC.

Who can open a CDS account as a foreign individual?

Any non-resident individual who wishes to invest in the Sri Lankan capital market can open a CDS account.

Do I need a special bank account to invest in Sri Lanka as a foreign individual?

Yes. You must open an Inward Investment Account (IIA) with a licensed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. This account is used to route your investment funds and repatriate returns.

Do I need to visit Sri Lanka to open a CDS account?

No. The entire process can be completed online through your chosen stockbroker and CDS.

Which banks currently serve as CDS partner banks for IIA?

The current partner banks are: National Development Bank (NDB), DFCC Bank, Amana Bank, Sampath Bank

Can I choose any partner bank, or is it assigned?

You may choose any of the partner banks (from the list above) to open your IIA, depending on your preference and convenience.

Must non-resident investors open an IIA with a CDS partner bank to open a CDS account?

No. Non-resident investors are not required to open an IIA exclusively with a CDS partner bank. Partner banks offer this service purely for convenience. You may choose to open an IIA with any licensed commercial bank in Sri Lanka and still open a CDS account with the Colombo Stock Exchange.

What is e-Connect and what services does it provide?

CDS e-Connect is a secure online platform that allows CDS account holders to conveniently access their account information, download statements, update details, and use various CDS services through the CSE Mobile App or web portal.

Who can register for e-Connect?

Any investor with an active CDS account (individual or local corporate) can register for e-Connect.

Is e-Connect registration mandatory?

While not mandatory, e-Connect is strongly recommended as it enables faster, paperless, and more convenient access to CDS services.

How do I register for e-Connect through the CSE Mobile App?

Download the CSE Mobile App, click "Our Services", select “CDS e-Connect”, and complete the online form.

Is there a cost for registering?

For individual investors, registration for e-Connect is free of charge. However, corporate investors are required to pay a registration fee and an annual fee to maintain their e-Connect access.

How long does registration approval take?

Registration is usually activated within 1–2 working days, subject to verification.

What should I do if my registration request is rejected?

You will be notified of the reason for rejection. You may correct the details and reapply, or contact your stockbroker for support.

Can I change my registered mobile/email after registering?

Yes. You can update your contact information through the e-Connect portal under the "Update my Profile" section.

What should I do if I do not receive the OTP during registration?

For Email OTPs: Please check that you entered the correct email address and also look in your spam/junk folder. For SMS OTPs: Please check that your mobile number is entered correctly and that you have network coverage. If the problem continues, contact the IT Team at itsupport@cse.lk

or call +94 11 2 356 450 for assistance."

Is my personal information safe on e-Connect?

Yes. Your personal data is protected under strict CSE security protocols and industry best practices to ensure confidentiality and safety at all times.

Can I access e-Connect outside Sri Lanka?

Yes. e-Connect can be accessed globally via the internet.

Can I check dividend payment history through e-Connect?

Yes. If you are a CSE Mobile App registered user, you can log in to e-Connect and view dividend payment details through the Centralized e-Warrant facility. Please note this service is still being expanded and may not cover all companies yet. In addition, company secretaries also issue dividend warrants directly to shareholders.

Will I receive notifications for upcoming corporate actions?

Yes. If you are a registered user of the CSE Mobile App, you will receive in-app notifications when corporate actions are announced (such as dividends, rights issues, bonus issues, and share splits). Make sure you are using the latest version of the app and that notifications are enabled on your device.

How can I check if dividends have been credited?

Dividends declared by listed companies are directly credited to the bank account registered with your CDS account. You can confirm the payment by checking your bank statement. If the dividend is not credited or you need further clarification, please contact the company secretary or registrar of the respective company.

Can I update my bank account details for dividend payments?

Yes. You can update your registered bank account details for dividend payments through CDS e-Connect. To do this, you must first register for the e-Connect facility via the CSE Mobile App. Once logged in, go to the “Update My Profile” section and update your bank details with the required supporting documents. The request will be verified and authorized by your stockbroker before being reflected in the CDS system.

What types of reports can I request from CDS?

You may request Entitlement Reports, Transaction Details, Settlement Reports, Portfolio Reports, Ledger Transaction Reports, and Monthly Statements. These are available to account holders, Company Secretaries/Registrars, Participants, and regulatory authorities, subject to applicable fees.

How do I request information or reports from CDS?

Requests can be made via email to cdsreq@cse.lk Payment can be made by bank deposit, or online transfer. Reports are released after verification and are usually delivered by email.

What is a Rights Issue and how is it handled through CDS?

A Rights Issue allows existing shareholders to buy additional shares at a discounted price. CDS ensures that entitled shareholders receive their rights directly into their CDS accounts. Payments and subscriptions are coordinated through Participants, and unsubscribed rights are removed before conversion into ordinary shares.

What are Mandatory Offers?

A Mandatory Offer occurs when an investor or related party acquires 30% or more of a listed company’s voting shares. The acquirer must then offer to buy shares from other shareholders at a value approved by the SEC.

What is a Repurchase (Buy-Back) and how is it processed?

A Repurchase (or share buy-back) is when a listed company buys back its own shares. CDS coordinates with the Registrar and the CSE Listings Division to process accepted offers, transfer shares to reserve accounts, and reduce the issued share capital accordingly.

How do I receive my CDS Account Statements?

CDS sends monthly and annual account statements to the registered email address of account holders. 1) Monthly Statements are sent if the account was active (at least one buy/sell/deposit/transfer) during the month. 2) Annual Statements (as at 31st March) are sent to all account holders with a credit balance.

How do I add a nominee to my account?

Log in to e-Connect, go to the “Nomination” section, select “Add New Nominee”, and complete the online application form with the required details. You must also upload a clear copy of the nominee’s NIC or Passport before submitting the application.

Do I need to visit a notary for nominations?

Yes. After submitting your nomination details through e-Connect, you must download the auto-generated PDF form, get it signed before a Notary Public, and send the signed hard copy to CDS within 10 days for the nomination to be accepted.

How do I remove an existing nominee?

You cannot remove a nominee once added. However, you can add a new nominee and Once the new nomination is recorded in the CDS system, your previous nominee becomes void and will no longer be valid. This ensures that only your most recent nominee is recognized for your account.

What happens if I don’t nominate anyone?

If you don’t nominate anyone, your shares will be passed on to your legal heirs through the CDS 19 share transmission process. This is a lengthy and complicated procedure. To avoid delays and difficulties for your family, CDS strongly advises all account holders to add a nominee to their CDS accounts.

Can a minor be nominated?

No. Nominees must have an active CDS account at the time of being nominated. Since minors are not eligible to open CDS accounts, they cannot be nominated.

What is a nominee in a CDS account?

A nominee is a person designated by the account holder to whom the securities in the CDS account will be transferred in the event of the account holder’s demise.

How can I submit a nomination for my CDS account?

Nominations must be submitted through the CDS e-Connect facility available on the CSE Mobile App.

Do I need to be registered with CDS e-Connect to submit a nomination?

Yes. You must first register for CDS e-Connect via the CSE Mobile App before you can access the nomination option.

Can I nominate for all my CDS accounts at once?

Yes. You may choose to apply the nomination for all your CDS accounts or only for a specific CDS account

Can I add more than one nominee?

Yes. You can add multiple nominees up to 3 nominees by entering each nominee’s details separately

What documents are required for adding a nominee?

You must upload a NIC or Passport copy of each nominee when submitting the nomination form.

Do I need to submit any physical documents after completing the online process?

Yes. You must download the auto-generated PDF form from e-Connect, print it, get attested by a Nortary public and send the signed hard copy to CDS within 10 days of submitting the electronic form. What happens if I do not send the hard copy of the nomination form? The nomination will not be accepted by CDS and you may required to submit a fresh application

Can I change a nominee after submission?

Yes. You can update/change nominee details through e-Connect by submitting a new nomination request.

Who should I contact if I face issues with e-Connect?

If you encounter any technical or access-related issues with e-Connect, you may contact the CSE IT Support Team via email at itsupport@cse.lk. Please provide your CDS account number, NIC details, and a brief description of the issue to ensure faster assistance. If you encounter any other issues other than technicle reach out to the CDS Helpdesk on +94 11 2356 444 during business hours.

Can I access e-Connect outside Sri Lanka?

Yes. You can log in to e-Connect from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, as long as your registered email and mobile number are active to receive verification codes.

Can I access e-Connect 24/7?

es. e-Connect is available anytime

Can I close my CDS account online?

No. Account closure requests cannot be made directly through e-Connect or online platforms.You must submit your closure request through your registered stockbroker, who will notify the CDS.

How can I change my stockbroker details in e-Connect?

You can’t change brokers in e-Connect. To switch, open a new CDS account with another stockbroker via the CSE Mobile App.

Is there a helpdesk or chatbot available in e-Connect?

Yes. e-Connect provides access to a dedicated helpdesk that can be reached via email (cdsonlinehelp@cse.lk) or phone (+94 11 2356 444) during business hours for technical or service-related inquiries. In addition, the CSE Mobile App and CSE website also feature a chatbot service to assist investors with general queries and guidance on using CDS services.

Can I manage multiple CDS accounts under one login?

Yes. e-Connect allows you to link and manage multiple CDS accounts under single e-Connect login.

How can I view my CDS account balance?

To view your CDS account balance, log in to e-Connect using your registered credentials. Once logged in, navigate to the “My Balance” section, where you can see your current holdings and available balance.

Can I download my account statements?

Yes. Log in to e-Connect, go to “Monthly Statements”, and download your monthy statements for the past six months in PDF format

Can I see details of my past transactions?

Yes. Log in to e-Connect and check the “Transaction History” to view your transactions for the past six months

Can I request custom reports through CDS e-Connect?

Yes. Go to “Requests for Reports”, fill in your requirements, make the online payment, and download the generated report through e-Connect.

How to change my mobile number?

Go to CDS e-Connect → Update Profile → Contact Number or Settings → Change Mobile Number.

Not receiving Email OTP?

Please check if the entered email address is correct and also check your spam/junk folder, or contact the IT Team at itsupport@cse.lk | 011 2 356 450

Not receiving SMS OTP?

Please check if the entered mobile number is correct, or contact the IT Team at itsupport@cse.lk | 011 2 356 450.

(iOS) When goes to cds e-connect, white screen showing up?

Please re-install the CSE mobile app and try again.

Goes to back screen when try to capture images?

Go to Phone Settings → Apps/Manage Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear Data, then re-install the CSE mobile app and try again. If the issue persists, send your selfie, NIC (front & back), and bank proof to itsupport@cse.lk

What does it mean to deposit securities certificates into the CDS?

Depositing securities certificates (dematerialization) means converting physical share certificates into electronic form and recording them in your CDS account for secure holding and trading.

How can I deposit my securities certificates into the CDS?

You need to complete the relevant CDS deposit forms and submit them together with the original share certificates through your CDS Participant (stockbroker or custodian bank).