FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced a decline in trading on Wednesday, as reported by CSE statistics, with the benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) falling by 0.75 percent.
The ASPI decreased by 166.55 points, settling at 22,011.10. Meanwhile, the more active S&P SL20 index also saw a drop of 0.54 percent, which equated to a loss of 32.82 points, bringing it down to 6,097.83.
Among the ASPI’s positive performers were John Keells Holdings, which rose by 0.50 percent to reach 20.10 rupees, Lion Brewery Ceylon, which increased by 2.85 percent to 1,849.00 rupees, and Seylan Developments, which surged by 11.11 percent to 1.00 rupee.
Conversely, several stocks negatively impacted the index, including Dialog Axiata, which fell by 2.51 percent to 42.80 rupees, Sampath Bank, down 0.88 percent to 140.75 rupees, Ceylon Beverage Holdings, which dropped 6.28 percent to 2,750.75 rupees, and Ceylon Cold Stores, declining by 3.22 percent to 135.25 rupees.
The total market turnover reached 2.05 billion rupees, with the Consumer Durables & Apparel sector leading the way at 413.9 million rupees.
Market analysts observed that regional exchanges also closed in the red, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index falling by 1.56 percent to 25,633.21 and India’s Nifty 50 index decreasing by 0.33 percent to 23,405.60.
In other news, Maharaja Foods has announced the launch of its latest retail outlet, “Maharaja Super – SPAR Savemore,” which is set to open in Kotahena on June 1, 2026. This outlet marks the second collaboration with SPAR Sri Lanka (Private) Limited as part of an expansion initiative revealed during its rights issue in January 2026.
Shares of Maharaja Foods closed down by 2.23 percent at 17.50 rupees.
(Colombo/June 03/2026)
