The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a strong rally on Wednesday, with the benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) rising by 215 points or 1.35% to close at 16,131, crossing the 16,000 threshold for the first time since April 2, 2025. The S&P SL20 Index also recorded a significant gain of 1.6%, signalling renewed optimism among both local and foreign investors.
Turnover reached Rs. 3.3 billion with 123.4 million shares traded, marking a 46.9% increase over the monthly average. The market’s upward momentum was attributed to improved global sentiment following breakthroughs in US-China trade negotiations and a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. These developments helped reignite interest from high-net-worth individuals and retail investors alike, who returned from the holiday weekend with increased enthusiasm.
According to First Capital, the market kicked off the week with strong investor participation, sustaining a steady rise throughout the session. Sentiment was particularly strong in blue-chip counters and hotel sector stocks, while the Diversified Financials sector posted the highest gains in terms of returns.
Driving the ASPI’s rise were major players such as Hatton National Bank, Central Finance Company, Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, and Aitken Spence. The Capital Goods sector led the day’s turnover, contributing 30%, followed closely by the Diversified Financials and Food, Beverage & Tobacco sectors, which together accounted for 31%. Foreign investors remained net buyers with a recorded net inflow of Rs. 25.5 million.
Among the most actively traded shares, John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 0.20 to close at Rs. 20.40, while Aitken Spence rose by Rs. 5 to Rs. 130.25. Central Finance Company saw a sharp increase of Rs. 11.75, ending the session at Rs. 209.25. Dialog Axiata recorded a gain of Rs. 0.10 to close at Rs. 14.60, and Lanka IOC appreciated by Rs. 3 to end at Rs. 132.00.
NDB Securities noted strong institutional and high-net-worth investor interest in stocks such as John Keells Holdings, Sunshine Holdings, and LB Finance. Mixed interest was seen in Aitken Spence, Central Finance Company, and Dialog Axiata, while retail investors showed activity in Hela Apparel Holdings, Browns Investments, and LVL Energy Fund.
With market confidence rising on the back of favourable global and regional developments, analysts expect the bullish momentum to continue, particularly across key sectors that are benefiting from both investor attention and economic stability.