The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka saw a positive close on Thursday, with diversified financials driving the turnover. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose by 1.13%, gaining 256.12 points to reach 22,833.53. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index increased by 1.00%, adding 63.80 points to settle at 6,421.46.
Dimantha Matthew, Chief Research and Strategy Officer at First Capital Holdings PLC, noted that the market has experienced significant volatility due to global uncertainties. “We’re seeing the market movement in a massive decline,” he stated.
Leading the positive contributors to the ASPI were John Keells Holdings, which climbed 2.37% to Rs.21.60, DFCC Bank, up by 2.43% at Rs.147.50, and National Development Bank, which increased by 2.11% to Rs.145.00. Matthew commented, “Selected gains have been seen, and investors with some confidence have been coming back.” He further emphasized that the market’s future direction heavily depends on the duration of ongoing conflicts, particularly due to the impact of oil prices on Sri Lanka.
On the downside, Senkadagala Finance saw a decline of 10.66%, closing at Rs.503.00, making it the top negative contributor to the ASPI.
Market turnover was recorded at 5.68 billion rupees, with diversified financials accounting for the majority at 2.22 billion rupees.
In a related development, Sri Lanka’s National Development Bank announced that it has received approval in principle from the Colombo Stock Exchange to list 16 billion rupees worth of debentures at interest rates of 11.50%, 11.04%, and 11.85%, as stated in a stock exchange filing.
(Colombo/March 5, 2026)
