Good question — here’s a practical, beginner-friendly roadmap to invest in Sri Lanka (what to consider, common options, steps to get started, and simple allocation ideas). I’ve indicated key sources for the most important facts.

1. First principles before you invest

• Build an emergency fund: keep 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses in a safe, liquid place (savings account or short-term deposit).
• Clarify your goals & horizon: short-term (0–2 yrs) → preserve capital; medium/long-term (3+ yrs) → can tolerate more volatility for higher returns.
• Know your risk tolerance and avoid investing money you’ll need soon. (General investing best practice; see steps below for how this maps to Sri Lankan products.)

2. Main investment options in Sri Lanka (beginner-friendly)

• Bank savings and fixed deposits (FDs) — low risk, predictable return. Good for short-to-medium horizon and emergency cushion. Compare banks for rates and tenure; minimums vary by bank. (sc.com)
• Government securities: Treasury Bills (short-term) and Treasury Bonds (medium/long-term) — considered low risk because they’re government-backed; can buy via licensed banks or primary dealers. Minimums vary by channel; T‑Bills are commonly available for retail. Good for capital preservation with slightly higher yields than savings. (cbsl.gov.lk)
• Unit trusts / mutual funds (managed funds) — pooled funds run by licensed asset managers that buy a mix of equities, bonds, money-market instruments. Useful for diversification and for beginners who prefer a professional manager. Look at fund objective (equity vs. bond vs. money market), past performance (long-term), fees (expense ratio / exit load), and manager track record. (Check fund factsheets on asset manager websites.) (thecapitalist.lk)
• Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) — buy shares of Sri Lankan companies for higher long‑term growth potential but higher volatility. To invest you must open a CDS account via a licensed broker/bank and use a broker’s trading platform. Start small and consider blue‑chip dividend-paying stocks or index/sector exposure if available. (lsl.lk)
• Digital investing / micro‑broker platforms — apps and brokers now let beginners open CDS accounts and trade online with simplified onboarding. These can make starting easier but verify the broker is licensed by the SEC. (Genie.lk)
• Real estate / property — can be a good long-term store of value but requires larger capital, due diligence, taxes, and management. Consider REITs (if available) or small rental properties if you understand the market and cash flow.
• Dollar/foreign instruments & Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs) — for exposure to foreign currency or foreign-denominated government paper; SLDBs (and nonresident options) exist but have specific rules. Use these only after understanding FX and repatriation rules. (cbsl.gov.lk)

3. Suggested beginner allocations (examples — adapt to your goals & risk tolerance)

• Very conservative (preserve capital): 70–90% savings/FDs + 10–30% Treasury bills / money-market funds.
• Balanced (moderate growth): 40–60% fixed income (FDs, T‑bills, bond funds) + 30–40% equity funds or blue‑chip stocks + 0–10% alternatives (real estate/SLDBs).
• Growth (long-term, higher risk): 20–40% fixed income + 60–80% equities (mixture of unit trusts and direct stocks).
  These are illustrative. Rebalance yearly and keep an emergency fund outside long‑term investments.

4. Practical first steps to get started (step‑by‑step)

• Open a bank savings account and set up automatic transfers to build your emergency fund.
• Research and compare fixed deposit rates (call banks or check their websites) and place short-term FDs for part of your emergency/reserve. (sc.com)
• If you want government securities: contact a primary dealer or your bank’s Treasury/Primary Dealer unit to learn minimums and the bidding process for Treasury bills/bonds. Many banks act as primary dealer agents for retail customers. (peoplesbank.lk)
• For stocks: choose a licensed stockbroker or a digital broker, open a CDS account (required to trade on the CSE), and start with small purchases or invest via an equity mutual fund. (lsl.lk)
• For unit trusts: pick 2–3 funds (money-market for safety, bond for income, equity for growth). Read the fund factsheets and compare fees and past 3–5 year returns. (Past returns aren’t a guarantee.) (thecapitalist.lk)

5. Fees, taxes and regulation — what to watch for

• Fees: brokerage commissions, fund management fees, and transaction costs reduce returns — compare providers.
• Taxes: dividend, interest, and capital gains tax rules apply; confirm current rules with your tax advisor or the Inland Revenue Department.
• Regulation and safety: use licensed banks, SEC‑regulated brokers, and licensed asset managers. The Central Bank and SEC are the primary regulators for banks and securities. (cbsl.gov.lk)

6. Risk management & ongoing habits

• Diversify across asset types (cash, fixed income, equities).
• Dollar‑cost average: invest fixed amounts monthly to reduce timing risk.
• Keep learning: read periodic fund reports, broker research, and CSE notices; follow macroeconomic news because Sri Lanka’s economy has undergone significant adjustments recently — policy and market conditions can change returns and risks. (reuters.com)

7. Quick vendor/action checklist (what to contact today)

• Your own bank — open/confirm savings account and inquire about FD & primary‑dealer services. (peoplesbank.lk)
• A licensed stockbroker or digital broker — open a CDS trading account. (lsl.lk)
• A reputable asset manager — download fund factsheets for unit trusts you’re interested in.
• Read the Central Bank’s page on government securities if you plan to buy T‑Bills/T‑Bonds. (cbsl.gov.lk)

8. Important cautions

• Avoid get-rich-quick schemes, unregulated “investment clubs,” or high‑yield offers that look too good to be true.
• Consider talking with a licensed financial adviser if you have substantial savings or complex tax/estate needs. For modest amounts, start with low-cost funds and build experience.

If you want, I can:

• Suggest 2–3 specific banks, brokers, or funds to look at (I can fetch current FD rates, fund factsheets, and broker options).
• Or, build a simple starter portfolio based on your age, savings amount and risk tolerance.

Which of those would you like me to do next? (If you want current rates or specific product names, I’ll fetch up‑to‑date quotes and links.)