The Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower on Tuesday as investors digested the Central Bank’s surprise interest rate increase, EconomyNext reported.
The benchmark All Share Price Index fell 0.85%, or 189.63 points, to 22,175.14, while the more liquid S&P SL20 lost 0.98%, or 60.84 points, to close at 6,118.26. Market turnover surged to Rs. 4.92 billion, led by the insurance sector with Rs. 3.18 billion.
The decline came after the Central Bank raised the Overnight Policy Rate by 100 basis points to 8.75% — its first hike in a year — lifting borrowing costs across the economy. Top negative contributors to the index included Sampath Bank (down 1.03% at Rs. 143.50), Hayleys (down 1.57% at Rs. 234.50), John Keells Holdings (down 0.99% at Rs. 20.10) and Hatton National Bank (down 0.87% at Rs. 400.00). Ceylon Beverage Holdings (up 5.20%), Lion Brewery (up 3.06%) and Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust (up 5.43%) cushioned the fall.
Notable crossings were recorded in Hatton National Bank (318,199 voting and 316,889 non-voting shares), Lanka IOC (200,000 shares) and Softlogic Life Insurance (500,000 shares). John Keells Holdings announced a final dividend of Rs. 0.10 per share for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, while John Keells Hotels declared Rs. 0.35 per share.
The session reversed Monday’s 1.99% gain, as the rate decision also pushed Treasury bill yields sharply higher at Tuesday’s auction.
