FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced a positive trend during trading on Thursday, as indicated by data from the CSE.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) increased by 0.75 percent, translating to a rise of 164.01 points, reaching a total of 21,953.06 points. Additionally, the S&P SL20 index saw a gain of 0.71 percent, or 42.69 points, bringing it to 6,076.69 points.
Several companies contributed positively to the ASPI, including Melstacorp, which saw a 0.75 percent increase, closing at Rs.21,953.06. John Keells Holdings rose by 1.52 percent to Rs.20.10, while ACL Cables climbed by 2.29 percent to Rs.98.40. Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank of Ceylon also reported gains of 0.70 percent and 0.62 percent, respectively, ending the day at Rs.143.00 and Rs.204.25.
Conversely, some major stocks faced declines, such as LB Finance, which fell by 1.28 percent to Rs.154.00, and Central Finance Company, which decreased by 0.74 percent to Rs.234.50. LOLC Holdings also saw a minor drop of 0.28 percent, closing at Rs.540.00. Richard Pieris and Company managed a slight increase of 0.31 percent, finishing at Rs.32.00.
The overall market turnover reached 1.014 billion rupees, with the banking sector leading this figure at 296.2 million rupees.
In corporate announcements, Central Industries disclosed a final dividend of six rupees (LKR 6.00) per share for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, pending withholding tax and shareholder approval. Their shares rose by 3.21 percent, closing at Rs.224.75.
(Colombo/May21/2026)
