The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced a decline on Thursday, despite the broader index reaching an intraday peak of 24,000. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) concluded the day down by 0.21 percent, equivalent to a decrease of 49.77 points, settling at 23,870.07. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index fell by 0.28 percent, or 19.19 points, closing at 6,731.31. The day’s market turnover amounted to 4.9 billion rupees.
At the start of trading, the ASPI managed to surpass the significant 24,000 mark for the second time this year, although it soon retreated from these levels. The market’s activity was propelled by interest across a range of sectors, attracting attention to both major companies and smaller stocks, according to brokers.
The most significant negative impacts on the ASPI came from several key players. Sampath Bank shares decreased by 1.75 rupees to 162.25 rupees, Colombo Dockyard saw a drop of 4.75 rupees to 156.50 rupees, Dialog Axiata fell by 0.60 cents to 32.70 rupees, DFCC Bank declined by 2 rupees to 157 rupees, and Commercial Bank decreased by 1 rupee to 233 rupees.
(Colombo/Feb19/2026)
