The Colombo stock market continued its record-breaking momentum yesterday, as investors remained bullish, driving both indices to new highs.
The benchmark ASPI rose by 2%, gaining 295 points to surpass the 14,500 mark, while the active S&P SL20 index increased by 2.5%, pushing its year-to-date (YTD) return to 41.76%.
Turnover reached a 10-month high of Rs. 8.28 billion, with 211 million shares traded. Leading contributors to the turnover included Ceylinco Holdings (Rs. 1.196 billion), JKH (Rs. 532.4 million), Sampath Bank (Rs. 442 million), HNB (Rs. 396 million), and PABC (Rs. 352.6 million).
According to First Capital, the sustained bullish momentum stems from declining interest rates and the completion of Sri Lanka’s external debt restructuring deal, which has boosted investor sentiment and lowered risk premiums. Off-board transactions were notable, particularly a 1.6% stake in Ceylinco Insurance traded through multiple deals.
NDB Securities reported that the ASPI remained in positive territory, driven by price gains in counters like Hatton National Bank, Ceylinco Insurance, and Sampath Bank.
High net worth and institutional investor activity was prominent in Ceylinco Insurance, John Keells Holdings, and C.W. Mackie. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, LOLC Holdings, and Sampath Bank, while retail investors focused on stocks such as SMB Leasing, Softlogic Capital, and Waskaduwa Beach Resort.
The Banking sector led turnover with 24%, driven by strong performances from Sampath Bank, HNB, and Pan Asia Banking Corporation. The sector index rose 3.42%, with Sampath Bank’s share price increasing by Rs. 2.50 to Rs. 108.75, HNB gaining Rs. 19.25 to close at Rs. 274.00, and Pan Asia Banking Corporation rising by Rs. 1.90 to Rs. 30.30.
The Capital Goods sector followed closely, primarily due to John Keells Holdings, whose share price gained 30 cents to Rs. 21.70.
Ceylinco Insurance was among the day’s top contributors, with its share price increasing significantly by Rs. 357.50 to reach Rs. 3,045.75.
With sustained foreign investor confidence, the market recorded a net foreign inflow of Rs. 100 million, underscoring renewed optimism in Sri Lanka’s economic outlook.