CSE posts highest single-day points gain, recovers Rs. 244 b value

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market reported a sharp rebound yesterday posting the highest ever single-day points increase and recovering Rs. 244 billion in value on news of a possible de-escalation in the Middle East.

Since the bombings in Iran began on 28 February, the ASPI had lost Rs. 1.1 trillion in value, and 22% of that was recovered yesterday. However, high net-worth investors remained in the sidelines, indicating sentiment was mostly cautious.

The ASPI ended on the up by 3.47% or 706.26 points at 21,071.23 while and the S&P SL20 ended up 3.91% or 222.41 points at 5,909.23.

Market turnover was over Rs. 4.2 billion on over 193.4 million shares traded.

First Capital Research said the stock exchange recorded an upward momentum, tracking the positive trend in global capital markets amid easing oil prices following a temporary ceasefire by the United States on Iranian energy facilities.

Market breadth remained strongly positive with 243 gainers against just 13 decliners, led by COMB, SAMP, JKH, HNB, and HAYL as the key contributors to the ASPI. Investor participation reflected subdued among HNW activity, alongside moderate retail engagement.

The capital goods sector dominated turnover with a 27% share, followed by the banking and food, beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing a further 27%, while foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 614.5 million.

NDB Securities said the indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and Lanka Milk Foods. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Capital, ACME Printing & Packaging and Colombo Dockyard whilst retail interest was noted in Hikkaduwa Beach Resort, LOLC Finance and HVA Foods. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and Colombo Dockyard while the sector index gained 4.59%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by 60 cents to close at Rs. 18.70 and Colombo Dockyard gained Rs. 9.75 to close at Rs. 124.75.

The banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Sampath Bank while the sector index increased by 4.11%. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs. 4.50 to close at Rs. 155.75.

Softlogic Capital and ACME Printing and Packaging were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Softlogic Capital gained 80 cents to close at Rs. 14.30. The share price of ACME Printing and Packaging moved up by 60 cents to close at Rs. 4.80.