FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a decline on Thursday, as indicated by data from the CSE.
Dimantha Matthew, Chief Research and Strategy Officer at First Capital Holdings PLC, commented on the market’s performance, stating, “Investor confidence remains low due to global uncertainties.” He noted that while the market opened on a negative note and showed some signs of recovery during the midday session, it ultimately closed lower.
The All Share Index fell by 0.33 percent, equivalent to a decrease of 73.06 points, finishing at 21,844.54. Similarly, the S&P SL20 index declined by 0.24 percent, or 14.32 points, closing at 6,076.18.
Among the stocks that contributed positively to the All Share Index were National Development Bank, which rose by 3.41 percent to Rs. 113.75, Nations Trust Bank, up by 1.65 percent to Rs. 307.25, and Janashakthi Insurance, which saw an increase of 8.74 percent to Rs. 46.30.
Conversely, the stocks that negatively impacted the market included Dialog Axiata, which fell by 2.47 percent to Rs. 31.60, John Keells Holdings, down 1.02 percent to Rs. 19.50, and Melstacorp, which decreased by 1.14 percent to Rs. 173.00.
Matthew pointed out that many banks experienced slight increases following a period of short-term negativity attributed to NDB, and he noted positive recoveries in recent days.
The total turnover for the day reached 2.965 billion rupees, with the capital goods sector generating 879.98 million rupees in turnover. Additionally, Cargills Bank successfully listed 294,200,000 shares from its rights issue, raising 2,500,700,000 rupees.
(Colombo/April 9/2026)
