Sri Lanka's main stock index surged past the 21,000-point mark on Thursday (05) as renewed investor optimism triggered a market-wide rally in Colombo.
Official exchange data showed the All Share Price Index (ASPI) jumped 2.87 per cent, or 589.18 points, to finish at 21,130.30, whilst the more liquid S&P SL20 index advanced 3.89 per cent to close at 6,061.98.
Market analysts at NDB Securities stated that international political developments, including the Democratic Party victory in the United States midterm elections, helped lift sentiment and encourage broader accumulation across key equities.
Total market turnover reached Rs. 5.43 billion, led by the banking sector group index which recorded transactions worth Rs. 1.10 billion.
High-value off-market block trades drove heavy volume, with Lanka Milk Foods registering Rs. 223.08 million, Cargills Bank recording Rs. 202.06 million, and Royal Ceramics Lanka adding Rs. 119.58 million.
Significant crossings were also logged for DFCC Bank at Rs. 97.50 million, Tokyo Cement non-voting shares at Rs. 66.84 million, Overseas Realty at Rs. 58.18 million, and Tokyo Cement voting shares at Rs. 55.45 million, beside further trades in CIC Holdings, LB Finance, Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank, People’s Leasing and Finance, and Sierra Cables.
Leading the upward momentum were Overseas Realty, rising 7.82 per cent to Rs. 53.80, and LOLC Holdings, climbing 6.93 per cent to Rs. 401.25, with further support from Dialog Axiata at Rs. 46.70, Hayleys at Rs. 228.50, and Commercial Bank of Ceylon at Rs. 206.25.
Meanwhile, downward pressure came from Agarapatana Plantations, falling 7.80 per cent to Rs. 13.00, alongside losses in Ceylinco Holdings at Rs. 2,841.00, First Capital Treasuries at Rs. 24.60, and Ceylon Tobacco Company at Rs. 1,786.75.
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