News & market updates

Colombo's ASPI rose about 6 points to 12,171 as turnover was Rs.1.4bn, led by Commercial Bank, Hayleys and John Keells. Hayleys (+4.5%) and John Keells (+2.5%) were major index movers while banking counters saw profit-taking (Sampath down) and foreigners net sold Rs.21.4m.

Colombo Bourse rose for a fifth straight session as the ASPI gained 1% to close at 11,531 (S&P SL20 +1.3%), with banking and food & beverage stocks led by HNB, SAMP, DFCC, MELS and LMF driving the rally amid Rs.776m turnover.