ASPI hits third highest single-day gain

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 03:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday opened the week with a strong rally, reaching its third highest single-day gain on positive news emerging from the Middle East of a possible end to the war.

The ASPI ended up 3.43% or 743.22 points at 22,380.65 and the active S&P SL20 closed 3.19% or 192.48 points higher at 6,219.53. Turnover was over Rs. 4 billion on nearly 205.6 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 21.1 million.

The ASPI had made record single-day gains since the Middle East war began in end-February, each time on news of possible peace.

On 8 April, the ASPI recorded its highest single-day gain ever at 885.14 points. The previous high was 797.72 points on 25 March, which beat a 706.26-point gain on 24 March and 704.88 points on 10 April 2025. Before these, the highest single-day gain was recorded on 10 March 2022 when the ASPI increased by 692.35 points.

First Capital Research said that following the confirmation of the US-Iran peace agreement, global equity markets experienced positive momentum while global oil prices declined. Reflecting these favourable global developments, the Colombo bourse closed in positive territory.

Index-weighted counters like SAMP, COMB, JKH, MELS, and DIAL emerged as leading positive contributors to the ASPI. HNW investor participation remained at average levels, whereas retail investor participation was notably elevated.

The Capital Goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 15%, followed by the Banking and Health Care Equipment and Services sectors collectively contributing 25%.

NDB Securities said high-net-worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Amana Takaful, Asiri Surgical Hospital, and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Prime Lands Residencies, Commercial Bank, and Access Engineering, whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, Industrial Asphalts, and SMB Leasing.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover, whilst the sector index gained 3.44%. The Banking sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Commercial Bank, whilst the sector index increased by 3.32%. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 7 to close at Rs. 209.25.

Asiri Surgical Hospital, Prime Lands Residencies, Amana Takaful, and Softlogic Capital were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Asiri Surgical Hospital increased by Rs. 1.40 to close at Rs. 18.70, Prime Lands Residencies gained Rs. 6.80 to Rs. 48.70, and Amana Takaful moved up by Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 22.70. The share price of Softlogic Capital appreciated by Rs. 2.30 to close at Rs. 14.70.