FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a decline on Monday, mirroring the downward trend of other Asian markets, as Brent crude oil prices remained elevated, holding steady above $115 per barrel throughout the day.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) ended the day down by 1.33 percent, a reduction of 283.49 points, bringing it to a total of 21,092.24. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index fell below the 6,000 level, closing at 5,908.96 after a drop of 1.52 percent or 91.03 points. This decline follows a brief rise above the threshold last Wednesday (25).
Positive movements were noted in a few stocks, including Cargills (Ceylon), which increased by 3.42 percent to Rs. 668.75, Browns Investments, which rose 5.26 percent to Rs. 6.00, and LOLC, up 0.76 percent at Rs. 528.75. In contrast, the biggest losses were seen in John Keells Holdings, which fell by 2.17 percent to Rs. 18.00, National Development Bank, which dropped 3.88 percent to Rs. 130.00, and Hayleys, which decreased by 2.69 percent to Rs. 217.00.
The total turnover for the day reached 4.76 billion rupees, with diversified financials contributing 1.612 billion rupees to this figure. Notable crossings included transactions in John Keells Holdings (1.4 million shares) and Sampath Bank (130,000 shares).
Asian stock markets faced declines as oil prices surged past $115 per barrel, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict involving the US-Israel war on Iran, now entering its fifth week, alongside the involvement of Yemen’s Houthis.
In South Korea, the KOSPI index fell by 2.97 percent, or 161.57 points, ending at 5,277.30. Japan’s Nikkei 225 reported a decrease of 2.79 percent, or 1,487.22 points, closing at 51,885.85. India’s Nifty 50 also saw a decline of 2.14 percent, down 488.20 points, finishing at 22,331.40. (Colombo/March30/2026)
