FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Thursday, as market volatility continued with investor uncertainty amidst the conflict in West Asia.
The ASPI closed down 1.82 percent, or 376.62 points, at 20,264.01.
The S&P SL20 closed down 1.98 percent, or 114.16 points at 5,651.41.
The dip is “not to be taken in isolation; during crises, financial markets are the first to react,” Raynal Wickremeratne, Head of Strategy, Softlogic Stockbrokers said.
The market turnover was 3.95 billion rupees. Most turnover were seen in banks (1.04 billion rupees), capital goods (1.23 billion rupees).
John Keells Holdings (down 3.74 percent at Rs.18.00), Access Engineering (down 6.04 percent at Rs.63.80), and Commercial Bank (down 1.42 percent at Rs.190.25), were top negative contributors to the ASPI.
“During these times, people have the opportunity to come back into the market, as we face a big correction, if the war doesn’t prolong,” Wickremeratne added. (Colombo/March19/2026)
