The Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka experienced a positive close on Monday, driven largely by the performance of banking shares. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose by 0.80%, equivalent to an increase of 190.27 points, reaching a level of 23,900.11. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index saw a rise of 1.47%, or 97.18 points, concluding the day at 6,715.91.
Significant contributors to the ASPI’s performance included Hatton National Bank, priced at Rs. 453.00, Sampath Bank at Rs. 160.00, and Commercial Bank of Ceylon at Rs. 234.25. According to Dimantha Matthew, Chief Research and Strategy Officer at First Capital Holdings PLC, there is substantial interest in banking shares. He noted, “There’s some speculation regarding splits around larger valued shares, and dividend announcements. This is pushing banking shares, which are index heavy, to drive up the market.”
The market saw a turnover of 5.6 billion rupees, with banking stocks contributing 1.68 billion rupees to this total.
In corporate news, Lankam Ceylon revealed that it had granted two corporate guarantees, each valued at Rs. 50,000,000, on behalf of its subsidiary, SunAgro LifeScience Limited (SALS), to secure short-term loan facilities.
Additionally, WindForce PLC announced the award of 12 standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Sri Lanka. The total investment for this initiative, under a 15-year contract, is valued at LKR 20.79 billion, providing a combined capacity of 120MW/480MWh.
(Colombo/February 16/2026)
