The Colombo Stock Exchange continued its recovery momentum on March 20, 2026, with improved investor sentiment driving a strong upward trend throughout the session. The market showed steady gains from the opening bell, supported by renewed confidence following recent volatility, as the All Share Price Index recorded a notable increase of 375.72 points by the close.
The rally was fueled by increased participation from both retail and institutional investors, reflecting a gradual shift towards optimism. Sustained buying interest across key counters contributed to the upward movement, signalling improving market stability in the near term.
The Capital Goods sector emerged as the top contributor to market turnover, recording LKR 1.84 billion with a trading volume of 76.23 million shares. John Keells Holdings PLC led sector activity, generating LKR 1.16 billion in turnover with 63.68 million shares traded. Crossings accounted for LKR 1.21 billion, representing 27.70% of total turnover, with the largest transaction recorded in JKH.N amounting to LKR 0.63 billion involving 34.50 million shares.
At the close, the ASPI rose by 1.85% to settle at 20,639.73, while the S&P SL20 gained 1.78% to close at 5,752.19. Total market turnover stood at LKR 4.39 billion, with 215.22 million shares traded during the session. Market breadth improved significantly, with 182 gainers against 47 decliners, indicating broad-based buying interest.
On the contributors’ front, Sampath Bank PLC led the positive impact on the index, followed by Hayleys PLC, Colombo Dockyard PLC, Melstacorp PLC, and John Keells Holdings. Meanwhile, CT Holdings PLC was the main drag on the index, with Bukit Darah PLC, Central Finance Company PLC, ACME Printing & Packaging PLC, and SEMB Corp PLC also exerting mild downward pressure.
Among notable trades, John Keells Holdings recorded significant activity, posting LKR 1.15 billion in turnover with 63.07 million shares traded, alongside a price gain of 1.67%, highlighting continued investor interest in fundamentally strong counters.
