FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced a decline on Wednesday, attributed to profit-taking activities, especially in the banking sector, as reported by brokers.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell by 0.41 percent, equivalent to a decrease of 95.00 points, bringing it down to 22,920.
Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index saw a reduction of 0.40 percent, which is a drop of 24.90 points, settling at 6,269.
Dimantha Matthew, Chief Research and Strategy Officer at First Capital Holdings, noted, “The market has been hovering around the 23,000 level again, leading to some profit-taking.”
Among the notable gainers on the ASPI were Nawaloka Hospitals, which rose by 8.44 percent to reach Rs.16.70, LOLC Holdings, increasing by 0.83 percent to Rs.574.75, and Seylan Bank, which went up by 1.65 percent to Rs.107.75.
Conversely, key decliners included Melstacorp, down 1.04 percent at Rs.190.00, Bukit Darah, which fell by 3.23 percent to Rs.935.50, National Development Bank, decreasing by 1.71 percent to Rs.115.25, and DFCC Bank, down 1.44 percent at Rs.136.50.
Matthew further commented, “The banking sector is down today due to heightened impairment levels related to global risks and increasing loss levels, resulting in slight selling pressure.”
The total market turnover stood at 2.82 billion rupees, with the capital goods sector leading the way with a turnover of 544.7 million rupees, followed by diversified financials at 490.1 million rupees.
Additionally, Ceylon Tobacco Company declared its first interim dividend of 32.40 rupees per share for the financial year ending March 31, 2026. (Colombo/May13/2026)
