FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump claimed discussions were on over a ceasefire with Iran.
“Interestingly, the market spiked at the start of the day and held its value throughout trading,” said Raynal Wickremeratne, Head of Strategy at Softlogic Stockbrokers.
The All Share Price Index closed up 1.35 percent, or 279.46 points, at 20,360.27. The S&P SL20 increased by 4.24 percent, or 241.05 points, closing at 5,927.87.
Analysts noted that while larger players in the market have not yet returned due to highly volatile conditions, retail investors have driven the growth.
Among the top positive contributors to the ASPI were Commercial Bank (up 5.23 percent at Rs.201.25), Sampath Bank (up 2.98 percent at Rs.155.75), John Keells Holdings (up 3.31 percent at Rs.18.70), Hatton National Bank (up 3.01 percent at Rs.401.75), and Hayleys (up 5.12 percent at Rs.215.75).
The market turnover was 4.22 billion rupees, with the most turnover seen in capital goods, amounting to 1.16 billion rupees.
Additionally, National Development Bank has raised 16 billion rupees in Sri Lanka’s largest green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bond issuance. The stock closed up 4.03 percent at Rs.135.50.
(Colombo/March 24/2026)
