FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka recorded a positive performance on Thursday, according to data from the CSE. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) increased by 0.49 percent.
The ASPI rose by 102.73 points to reach 21,269.67, while the S&P SL20 index, which comprises the most liquid stocks, also saw an uptick of 0.48 percent, equating to an increase of 28.65 points, bringing it to 5,973.74.
Key factors boosting the ASPI included notable gains from Central Finance Company, which climbed 4.53 percent to 225.00 rupees, and Commercial Bank of Ceylon, which saw a 1.25 percent increase to 202.75 rupees. Cargills (Ceylon) also performed well, rising by 3.35 percent to 679.00 rupees, while C. T. Holdings advanced 3.68 percent to 500.00 rupees.
On the downside, Bukit Darah experienced a decline of 3.73 percent, settling at 825.00 rupees. Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank also saw minor decreases of 0.26 percent and 0.18 percent, respectively, ending the day at 383.25 rupees and 136.25 rupees.
The market turnover reached a remarkable figure of 12.24 billion rupees, marking a high for 2026. The financial sector, particularly diversified financials, led the turnover with contributions of 10 billion rupees.
Commercial Credit and Finance executed a significant share sale to a group of investors, fetching 9 billion rupees. This transaction involved 28 percent of shares owned by Group Lease Holdings, a Singaporean entity currently in liquidation. This deal marks the largest book-built trade in the history of the CSE and represents the most substantial single trade thus far in 2026. The stock concluded the day with a gain of 1.65 percent, priced at 107.50 rupees.
In other news, Hela Apparel Holdings has announced the commencement of legal procedures to wind up its operations along with its main subsidiaries, Hela Clothing (Private) Limited and Foundation Garments (Private) Limited, citing challenges in fulfilling debt obligations and ongoing liquidity issues. (Colombo/August06/2026)
