FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – On Friday afternoon, the indices of the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka showed an upward trend, according to data from the CSE. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) increased by 0.34 percent.
The ASPI rose by 72.42 points, reaching a total of 21,342.09, while the more actively traded S&P SL20 climbed by 0.44 percent, equivalent to 26.39 points, bringing it to 5,997.89.
Several stocks contributed positively to the ASPI, including LOLC Holdings, which saw a rise of 2.01 percent, trading at 494.75 rupees; Hatton National Bank, up 0.59 percent at 385.50 rupees; Sampath Bank, increasing by 0.55 percent to 137.00 rupees; and Richard Pieris and Company, which gained 3.85 percent, valued at 27.00 rupees.
Conversely, Hemas Holdings experienced a decline of 1.25 percent, trading at 31.50 rupees, and Hayleys saw a decrease of 0.44 percent, priced at 225.00 rupees, marking them as the primary negative contributors.
The market turnover stood at 384.3 million rupees, with the Diversified Financials sector leading in turnover, amounting to 143.3 million rupees.
In corporate announcements, BPPL Holdings has decided to issue a First Interim Dividend of 0.25 rupees per share for the financial year concluding on March 31, 2027, with the ex-dividend date scheduled for August 18, 2026.
Additionally, Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance disclosed the results of its Rights Issue for Preference Shares, achieving total subscriptions of 80,410,925 shares, valued at 804.1 million rupees, from an offering of 99,912,312 shares. (Colombo/August 07/2026)
