FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – On Thursday, the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced a positive start, primarily driven by banking stocks leading the market turnover.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) increased by 0.55 percent, translating to a rise of 116.65 points, reaching a total of 21,182.83. In contrast, the S&P SL20 index saw a decline of 0.25 percent, which is a drop of 14.5 points, settling at 5,889.60.
Among the stocks contributing positively to the market, Sampath Bank saw a rise of 1.38 percent, trading at Rs.147.25. ACL Cables experienced a notable increase of 4.71 percent, priced at 89 rupees, while Dialog Axiata rose by 1.98 percent to reach 30.90 rupees.
On the other hand, Hatton National Bank faced a decline of 1.77 percent, with shares at 399.75 rupees, and John Keells Holdings fell by 0.54 percent, trading at 18.30 rupees, marking them as the primary negative contributors to the ASPI.
In commodities, Brent crude futures rebounded beyond the $100 mark after two days of losses, influenced by statements from US President Trump regarding potential military actions against Iran.
The total market turnover was recorded at 370 million rupees, with banking stocks accounting for a significant portion at 96.96 million rupees.
In corporate news, WindForce, a Sri Lankan energy company, announced plans to issue up to 40 million green bonds, aiming to raise 4 billion rupees. The company disclosed that these bonds will be listed, rated, senior, unsecured, and redeemable in a filing to the stock exchange, with its shares rising by 1.78 percent to 45.80 rupees.
(Colombo/Apr2/2026)
