On Tuesday, the Colombo Stock Exchange experienced its most significant point decline in history as the market resumed trading following the recent Middle East conflict. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) plunged by 1,290.68 points, closing at 22,443.38, marking a 5.44 percent decrease.

Trading was temporarily halted in the morning session after the S&P SL20 index fell by more than 5 percent. Previously, the largest point drop occurred on December 1, 2025, with the ASPI falling by 690.76 points. In terms of percentage decline, the most substantial fall was 6.56 percent on February 2, 2021.

The S&P SL20 index ended the day down 4.86 percent, losing 322.32 points to close at 6,313.65. Key stocks that negatively impacted the ASPI included Commercial Bank, which dropped 11.5 percent to Rs.210.00, Sampath Bank, which decreased by 6.75 percent to Rs.154.00, Hatton National Bank, which fell 18 percent to Rs.429.00, John Keells Holdings, which declined by 1 percent to Rs.21.10, and Hayleys, which saw a 14.5 percent decrease to Rs.230.25.

The day’s market turnover reached 9.56 billion rupees, with significant activity in the capital goods sector, accounting for 2.67 billion rupees, and the banking sector, with 2.09 billion rupees. (Colombo/March 3, 2026)