The Colombo Stock Exchange’s All Share Price Index closed above 23,000 for the first time on Friday, ending a volatile session up 66.12 points or 0.29% at 23,063, EconomyNext reported.
The benchmark crossed the 23,000 mark during intraday trading before slipping back, then recovered to close above the level. The S&P SL20 of more liquid stocks rose 26.98 points, or 0.43%, to 6,319. Turnover was Rs.4 billion.
Hayleys was the day’s top contributor, gaining Rs.7.25 to close at Rs.242.25. Colombo Dockyard added Rs.8.50 to Rs.143.25 and Dialog Axiata rose 90 cents to Rs.35.90.
In a separate disclosure, Hatton Plantations told the exchange that Durga Infra (Private) Limited had purchased 10,245,384 of its ordinary shares at Rs.25.60 each on May 6. Durga Infra now holds 29,583,334 shares — equivalent to 12.50% of Hatton’s issued share capital of 236,666,671.
The 23,000 close is a fresh record for the index, breaking through after the previous record of 22,997 set on May 7. The milestone has held despite political volatility this week, including the death of former SriLankan Airlines chief Kapila Chandrasena.
The CSE’s record run has been supported by stronger corporate earnings disclosures and capital-raising activity, including Hayleys’ Rs.4.6 billion rights issue and the listing of Janashakthi’s JXG holding company. The rupee has held in a narrow band against the US dollar, with banks selling at around Rs.325 on Thursday.
