The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) resumed normal trading today, following an unexpected market disruption experienced yesterday. The session was marked by a strong rebound, recording a remarkable turnover exceeding Rs. 12 billion.

Trading commenced as usual this morning, after the previous day’s session was halted due to irregular transactions. A significant highlight of today’s trading was the total turnover of Rs. 12.32 billion, noted as one of the highest on record.

A major contributor to this turnover was a crossing in LEE HEDGES PLC, valued at Rs. 3.93 billion. Additionally, Wealth Trust Securities PLC officially began secondary market trading today, contributing a turnover of Rs. 1.16 billion. The company’s shares, initially issued at Rs. 7.00 during its Initial Public Offering (IPO), traded within a range of Rs. 14.90 to Rs. 19.80 throughout the day. The shares closed at Rs. 18.90, offering IPO investors an approximate 166% gain.

Yesterday’s trading session on January 7 lasted only about 23 minutes before the market was halted due to an irregular transaction involving Wealth Trust Securities shares. A share originally issued at Rs. 7.00 was reportedly traded at an abnormal price of Rs. 25,000, leading the CSE, in agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), to cancel all equity transactions executed before the market halt.

Reflecting today’s recovery, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) surged by 233.28 points, closing at 23,527.13, representing a 1% gain compared to the previous trading day. The S&P SL20 Index also saw an increase, gaining 100.01 points to close at 6,463.86, up 1.57% from the previous day.