FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange continued to slide during midday trade on Friday, CSE data showed, as Brent crude oil prices crossed the 100 dollars per barrel mark again.

The All Share Price Index was down 1.44 percent, or 315.20 points at 21,672.42.

The S&P SL20 was down 1.31 percent, or 80.58 points at 6,091.70.

Commercial Bank (down 2.28 percent at Rs.203.50), Hayleys (down 2.44 percent at Rs.219.50), and Hatton National Bank (down 1.08 percent at Rs.413.50) were the top negative contributors to the ASPI.

Turnover was 2.78 billion rupees. Capital goods contributed 1.129 billion rupees.

John Keells Holdings said its subsidiary John Keells Hotels was selling its 98.39 percent stake in Kandy Walk Inn Limited, which owns the Cinnamon Citadel hotel.

John Keells Holdings stock closed down 10 cents at 20 rupees.

John Keells Hotels stock closed down 30 cents at 18.90 rupees. (Colombo/March12/2026)