FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – On Friday, the Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a positive close, according to the latest reports from CSE.

The All Share Price Index increased by 1.30 percent, translating to an uptick of 284.12 points, reaching a total of 22,128.66. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index rose by 1.26 percent, or 76.55 points, ending at 6,152.73.

Among the leading gainers contributing to the rise of the All Share Price Index were John Keells Holdings, which appreciated by 3.08 percent to Rs.20.10, Melstacorp, up 2.60 percent at Rs.177.50, Dialog Axiata, which saw an increase of 4.11 percent to Rs.33.00, and National Development Bank, which rose by 3.74 percent to Rs.118.00.

Conversely, notable declines were recorded in Ceylinco Holdings, down 3.12 percent to Rs.3100.75, Hatton National Bank, decreasing by 0.85 percent to Rs.410.50, and Ceylon Land & Equity, which fell sharply by 13.33 percent to Rs.10.30.

The total turnover for the day was 5.016 billion rupees, with the capital goods sector generating 1.026 billion rupees and diversified financials contributing 1.054 billion rupees.

Significant crossings were noted in various stocks, including John Keells Holdings (3 million shares), R.I.L Property (1 million shares), Chevron Lubricants Lanka (700,000 shares), L.B Finance (685,000 shares), and Ambeon Capital (600,000 shares). Other notable crossings included Seylan Bank (566,105 shares), Access Engineering (300,000 shares), ACL Cables (222,639 shares), LIOC (200,980 shares), Commercial Bank of Ceylon (200,000 shares), DFCC (150,000 shares), and LOLC (40,000 shares).

In a separate announcement, HNB Finance from Sri Lanka revealed plans to secure 2,499,529,714 rupees through a rights issue, offering two new shares for every nine existing shares held. The company’s share price rose by 7.53 percent, closing at Rs.10.00.

(Colombo/Apr10/2026)