FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced an upward trend at the close of trading on Friday, as indicated by the latest data from the exchange. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose by 0.49 percent.
The ASPI increased by 105.01 points, reaching a total of 21,644.01, while the more actively traded S&P SL20 index also saw gains, climbing 0.80 percent or 48.11 points to settle at 6,080.20.
Key performers contributing positively to the ASPI included Melstacorp, which saw a rise of 2.42 percent, closing at 190.75 rupees; Sampath Bank with an increase of 1.63 percent at 140.00 rupees; and Dialog Axiata, which rose by 1.95 percent to 47.40 rupees. Additionally, Nations Trust Bank experienced a 3.28 percent increase, reaching 315.00 rupees, while Ceylon Tobacco Company saw an uptick of 1.71 percent, closing at 1,830.00 rupees.
On the downside, DFCC Bank declined by 0.78 percent to 128.00 rupees, while Richard Pieris and Company fell by 1.78 percent to 27.60 rupees. Dipped Products (Dipterocarpus) also saw a decrease of 1.52 percent, closing at 58.50 rupees.
The total market turnover was recorded at 2.24 billion rupees, with the retail sector leading the turnover at 720.5 million rupees.
Ceylon Tobacco Company, recognized as the largest contributor to tax revenue in Sri Lanka, announced a profit of 7.69 billion rupees for the quarter ending June 30, 2026, marking a 4.5 percent increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Its shares closed up by 1.71 percent at 1,830.00 rupees. (Colombo/August 14, 2026)
