FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange opened down on Monday, as global oil prices rose over 104 dollars per barrel due to the Israel-US attacks on Iran and the subsequent retaliation entering the third week.

The All Share Price Index was down 2.41 percent, or 523.55 points, at 21,169.00.

The S&P SL20 was down 2.41 percent, or 146.72 points, at 5,937.93.

Market turnover was 2.4 billion rupees.

Brent crude futures are at their highest price since June 2022, following US airstrikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key energy center point.

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. (Colombo/Mar16/2026)