FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced an upward trend on Friday afternoon, maintaining a positive trajectory throughout the three-day trading week, according to data from the CSE.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) increased by 0.65 percent, equating to an addition of 146.64 points, bringing it to a total of 22,735.61.
Similarly, the S&P SL20 index rose by 0.51 percent, or 31.99 points, reaching 6,262.75.
Key gainers contributing to the rise in the ASPI included Central Finance, which saw a 7.08 percent increase to Rs.257.00, Hayleys, up 2.39 percent to Rs.235.00, Hemas Holdings, which rose by 2.53 percent to Rs.32.40, and Browns Investments, climbing 3.08 percent to Rs.6.70.
On the other hand, the National Development Bank experienced a decline of 1.90 percent, settling at Rs.116.25, while Melstacorp fell by 0.56 percent to Rs.179.00, and Hatton National Bank decreased by 0.48 percent to Rs.412.75, marking them as the primary negative contributors to the ASPI.
The total market turnover was recorded at 2 billion rupees, with the capital goods sector leading in trading volume.
Commercial Bank announced the listing of 14,236,841 voting shares and 984,260 non-voting shares following a scrip dividend. During intraday trading, the voting shares decreased by 1.25 rupees, bringing their price to 210.00.
Furthermore, Browns Beach Hotels indicated that trading of its securities will resume from April 17 and will continue until April 27 over a span of seven market days. “Following this period, trading of the company’s securities will be suspended in accordance with Section 14.1.3 of the CSE Listing Rules,” the company stated. The stock price rose by 4.80 rupees, reaching 28.
(Colombo/Apr17/2026)
