Colombo, Jan 10: Sri Lanka’s stock market ended the week on a firm footing on Friday, extending its upward momentum for a fifth consecutive session as investors responded positively to signs of macroeconomic stability and supportive policy signals.
The All Share Price Index advanced 127.17 points, or 0.54%, to settle at 23,654.30, while the S&P SL20 climbed 44.99 points, gaining 0.70% to close at 6,503.02, reflecting broad-based interest in leading counters.
Market activity remained robust, with turnover reaching LKR 8.54 billion, underpinned by healthy sectoral participation. Diversified Financials emerged as the top contributor, generating LKR 2.11 billion in turnover, while crossings accounted for LKR 2.43 billion, representing about 28% of total market activity.
Trading volumes were strong, with 269.33 million shares changing hands during the session. Market breadth was largely balanced, as advancing stocks marginally outpaced decliners, indicating selective buying amid continued sector rotation.
Investor sentiment was buoyed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s favourable outlook for the medium term, alongside improving conditions following recent climatic disruptions. Blue-chip counters, including JKH.N, provided the biggest support to the indices, while MELS.N weighed on overall performance.
LOLC.N led individual stock turnover with trades worth LKR 1.52 billion, highlighting sustained interest in diversified financial stocks. Meanwhile, COCO.N drew attention after posting a sharp double-digit gain, reflecting renewed appetite for select mid-cap counters.
Overall, the week’s performance signalled growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s equity market, supported by stable macroeconomic indicators, improving liquidity conditions, and measured investor participation.
