FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a positive close on Friday, buoyed by investor optimism regarding a potential ceasefire between the US and Iran, as well as ongoing ceasefire discussions between Israel and Lebanon.
Shahana Kanagaratnam, a Senior Assistant Manager in Research at First Capital Holdings, noted that the overall market atmosphere was upbeat, largely influenced by recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) increased by 0.82 percent, translating to a rise of 184.32 points, closing at 22,773.29. In parallel, the S&P SL20 also posted gains, rising by 0.53 percent or 33.18 points to finish at 6,263.94.
Key contributors to the ASPI’s growth included Central Finance, which surged by 5.83 percent to Rs. 254.00, Hemas Holdings with a 5.06 percent increase to Rs. 33.20, Hayleys rising by 2.17 percent to Rs. 235.00, and CT Holdings climbing 4.14 percent to Rs. 604.00. Conversely, the National Development Bank saw a decline of 2.11 percent, closing at Rs. 116.00, while Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank fell by 0.54 percent to Rs. 412.50 and 0.47 percent to Rs. 210.25, respectively.
The total market turnover reached 4.974 billion rupees, with capital goods accounting for 1.056 billion of this figure. Kanagaratnam remarked on the active participation from retail investors, alongside significant trading volumes, particularly in NDB.
For the week, the ASPI recorded a substantial gain of 2.91 percent, equating to 644.63 points, when compared to the close before the four-day weekend last Friday.
In contrast, global stocks faced declines on Friday as investors awaited updates regarding the potential extension of the Iran-US ceasefire, coinciding with a drop in crude oil prices.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell by 1.75 percent, dropping 1,042.44 points to close at 58,475.90. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s SSE Composite Index decreased by 0.10 percent, or 4.12 points, to finish at 4,051.43. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also experienced a decline, down 0.89 percent, or 233.93 points, ending at 26,160.33. However, India’s NIFTY 50 bucked the downward trend, gaining 0.65 percent, or 156.80 points, to close at 24,353.55. (Colombo/Apr17/2026)
