Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher (All Share +0.31%, SL20 +0.33%) as foreign interest returned, with foreign buying of John Keells (JKH) contributing over Rs100m to turnover. Ceylon Tobacco (CTC) posted higher interim profits and a Rs38.3 dividend, while First Capital Treasuries (FCT) reported profit declines tied to weaker government securities.
Colombo market edged up as S&P SL20 rose 0.3% and ASPI closed at 11,312, with turnover just Rs. 337.4m (down 60.3% vs the month’s average). Commercial Bank, Melstacorp, NDB and Tokyo Cement were top contributors amid mixed activity across banking, capital goods and tourism stocks.
Colombo Stock Exchange closed up (All Share Index +0.08% to 11,312; S&P SL20 +0.28% to 3,233) while turnover remained low at 337 million rupees. Net foreign outflow was 5.7 million, Dialog reported weaker quarterly results, and several banks and listed stocks saw modest foreign buying/selling.
Colombo market closed up Friday with the ASPI +0.44% to 11,303 on turnover of Rs. 403.3m, though the week ended with losses (ASPI -1.2%, S&P SL20 -2.0%). Top contributors included Sampath, Richard Pieris, Aitken Spence, LOLC, Access Engineering and John Keells, while Commercial Bank edged down slightly.
ASPI fell 41 points to 12,254 as the Colombo market remained lacklustre with weak turnover and banking-led declines. Sampath Bank saw buying interest and rose to Rs.74.50, John Keells gained modestly, while Central Finance and Hayleys Fabric recorded price falls.
CSE turnover fell to Rs. 320 million — the lowest since May 2020 — as indices closed flat and investors remained cautious amid political uncertainty. Ceylinco (CINS) was the main positive contributor while Central Finance, John Keells, CIC, NDB and Browns featured among top turnover names.
The ASPI rose 42 points (0.4%) to 11,294 as the Colombo market closed marginally higher on turnover of Rs. 582 million. Gains in John Keells, Richard Pieris, HNB, BIL and others supported the rise, turnover was led by JKH and capital goods, banking and F&B sectors, while foreigners net sold Rs. 20.6m.
Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher: ASPI up 0.37% to 11,293 and S&P SL20 up 0.39% to 3,226, with turnover Rs582mn and John Keells (JKH) accounting for Rs160mn. Several banks closed mostly in green; Hayleys Fabric and CIC reported interim profit growth and lower finance costs due to lower interest rates.
ASPI closed at 11,252, down 1.67% (191 points) and the S&P SL20 fell 2.3% as turnover hit Rs. 863.8m. Banking stocks and conglomerates led losses, with COMB under selling pressure ahead of rights renunciation and declines noted in HNB, SAMP, MELS and SUN.
Consumer Staples (FMCG)
Ada Derana·Aug 6, 2024·Promotional / marketingPositive
President Ranil Wickremesinghe pledged Sri Lanka will pursue the SDGs and reach net zero emissions by 2040, highlighting renewables, agribusiness transformation and sustainable tourism as key measures. He also announced plans for an International Climate Change University, four technical universities and efforts to attract global finance.
Renewable EnergyTourismTea & Plantation CropsIT & Digital