FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – During midday trading on Thursday, the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced a downward trend. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) decreased by 0.37 percent, or 82.76 points, reaching a value of 22,552.24.
Similarly, the S&P SL20 index fell by 0.29 percent, equating to a decline of 18.25 points, settling at 6,222.76.
Notable gainers contributing positively to the ASPI included Watawala Plantations, which rose by 3 rupees to reach 49.90, Sunshine Holdings, which increased by 70 cents to 32.60 rupees, and Namunukula Plantations, which saw an uptick of 3 rupees, bringing its price to 75 rupees.
Conversely, major declines were observed in John Keells Holdings, down 10 cents to 20.50 rupees, Sampath Bank, which fell by 75 cents to 148.25 rupees, and Commercial Bank, down 1.25 rupees at 209.75.
Plantation companies generally performed well, with Malwatte Valley Plantations increasing by 2.40 to 59.90 rupees, Bogawanthala Tea Estates gaining 2.70 rupees to reach 77.50, Mahaweli Coconut Plantations rising by 1.20 to 52.50, and Talawakelle Plantations up 1.50 at 145 rupees.
The market recorded a turnover of 2 billion rupees, with the diversified financial sector leading this figure at 433 million rupees.
In other news, Lanka Credit and Business Finance received a rating upgrade from the Lanka Rating Agency, moving from a BB stable outlook to a BB positive outlook. However, the share price fell by 1.28 percent to 7.70 rupees.
Abans Finance announced the successful completion of its debenture issuance, securing subscriptions for 13.38 million debentures, which will generate 1.33 billion rupees. The share price decreased by 1.87 percent, settling at 105 rupees.
(Colombo/April 30/2026)
